Beijing Tour Guides Help You Discover Unique, Gorgeous Chinese Ivory Carvings

With gorgeous, milky white color and delicate jade-like quality, Chinese carving is famous around the world as one of the most exquisite art forms. Items famous for their unparalleled quality and excellent craftsmanship have been one of collectors’ favorites for thousands of years. In the pre-historic period, over 7,000 years ago, when elephants still roamed the regions around Yellow River, ancient Chinese started to practice this art, and made a large number of gorgeous, imaginative artworks. As the supply of elephant tusks dwindled since Chinese government placed a ban on ivory trading in early 1990s, the prices of ivory carvings skyrocketed, and the purchase of such works was regarded as an investment. In Beijing, take a Beijing day tour with a Beijing tour guide to discover exquisite ivory carvings in the local shops.

It is very difficult to underestimate the value of a great ivory carving: the beautiful, milky white color immediately catches your eyes, the bright, smooth surface appear more delicate and elegant the longer you look at it, and the marvelous craftsmanship shown by every one of its tiny, exquisitely made detail convinces you completely that few artwork ever made by men could achieve this level of exquisiteness and delicacy.

Archaeological find from the Hemudu culture site in Zhejiang province suggests as early as 7,000 years ago ancient Chinese already started making and using ivory items with both practical and ornamental functions. A mysterious item called “Two Birds Flying Towards The Sun” became famous for its incredibly exquisite craftsmanship and beautiful, fascinating design.

Throughout China’s history, ivory works enjoyed a high status among officials and wealthy people. Beginning from the Zhou dynasty, ivory ornament became a fashionable item among imperial court officials, and wearing them symbolized having a high rank in the government. After elephants were driven to extinction in central China, ivory items became even rarer than before, which cemented their status as a sign of power and privilege. In the Ming and Qing dynasties, the art of ivory carving developed to a climax.

Traditionally, Guangzhou, Suzhou, and Beijing were the centers of the production of ivory carvings. Products made in these regions had their unique local characteristics and were cherished by art fans all over the world.

Guangzhou Ivory Carving: The warm, humid climate of Guangzhou favored the production of complex ivory works that required a long time to complete. For this and other reasons, over the years Guangzhou produced some of the most famous, exquisite ivory carvings highly prized by art collectors. A good example was the multi-layer ivory balls famous for their mysterious, exquisite designs.

Suzhou Ivory Carving: Suzhou was historically a region with an influential literati culture. Ivory works produced here obviously incorporated many elements regarded by the literati class as showing high culture and good taste. The designs of the works included famous figures, animals, trees, and flowers.

Beijing Ivory Carving: As the capital of China for the last hundreds of years, Beijing had a sophisticated art culture built upon the contribution of some of the best artists from across China. The industry of ivory carving prospered here during the early Qing dynasty, and the items made were known for sophisticated craftsmanship and beautiful, lifelike figures with a variety of gestures and expressions.

There are many amazing local shops in Beijing that offer unique, beautiful ivory carvings from different periods in China’s history. Find a personal shopping assistant to help you discover these spectacular products.