Teng Jianghua, an artist in Hailing district of Taizhou city in East China's Jiangsu province, has brought modern engraving to the city, filling the gap in calligraphy and carving art.
Based on Chinese calligraphy, modern engraving integrates traditional engraving, seal cutting, painting, and printmaking, forming its own unique style.
Born in 1961, Teng used to enjoy in his childhood taking branches and using them to draw and write on the muddy ground with his older brother – the two siblings competing to see who could outdo the other.
He soon found himself fascinated by modern engraving when he attended classes of the first engraving class in Jiangsu province in 2007. Since then, he began to delve into the art of modern engraving – at a time when this art was sorely lacking in Taizhou.
Nowadays, an ordinary wooden block can be engraved with a soul and sense of vitality through Teng's skillful craftsmanship.
Teng's works combine traditional calligraphy with freehand brushwork, modern literary style, and architectural aesthetics. Many of his works have themes related to Taizhou, showcasing the city's modern development.
"The beautiful calligraphy of Chinese characters, the beautiful form of engraving, the beautiful texture of materials, and the decorative beauty of colors can all be reflected in modern engravings," said Teng.
More people are now jumping enthusiastically into this art in Taizhou and the city has more than a hundred people involved in creating modern engravings.
Teng Jianghua wins the fourth Lanting Award, the top prize for Chinese calligraphers. [Photo/WeChat account: weihailing0523]
The exquisite modern engraving work of Teng Jianghua. [Photo/WeChat account: weihailing0523]