千年经典向新行丨小贝壳雕出千年非遗 这是方寸间的海洋史诗

Core Perspective - The article highlights the significance of Beihai shell carving as a national intangible cultural heritage, emphasizing its historical roots in the Maritime Silk Road and its evolution from traditional craftsmanship to modern artistic expression [1][2]. Group 1: Historical Context - The Maritime Silk Road, starting from the Tang and Song dynasties, facilitated the exchange of exotic treasures and led to the development of the Ming Dynasty's "Babaohuan" technique, merging foreign influences with traditional Chinese craftsmanship [2]. - Beihai shell carving was recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage representative project in 2021, showcasing its cultural importance [2]. Group 2: Craftsmanship and Techniques - The process of creating a shell carving involves multiple steps, including cleaning, polishing, carving, and assembling, with some pieces requiring up to two tons of raw materials and hundreds of different shell types [15]. - The technique of "thin carving" demands precision, with shells being polished to a translucency of 0.1 millimeters, highlighting the skill and endurance of artisans [15]. Group 3: Revival and Innovation - In the 1990s, Beihai shell carving faced a decline, but efforts by artisans like Lin Xiong revived the craft by recalling experienced artisans and exploring new artistic directions [6][19]. - Lin Xiong's approach to using natural shell colors and textures has been described as a revolution in Chinese shell carving, leading to the establishment of a materials warehouse with thousands of shell types [9][11]. Group 4: Education and Modernization - Educational institutions like Guilin University of Electronic Technology and Beihai Vocational School have introduced courses on shell carving, fostering a new generation of artisans and creative professionals [22]. - The integration of traditional patterns into modern life has led to a resurgence of interest in shell carving, with various companies and workshops in Beihai producing both artistic and practical items [26].