China's Sculpture Culture within Its Intangible Cultural Heritage

Chinese Sculpture

Sculpture culture refers to the shaping art culture carried by three-dimensional visual arts, which embodies profound historical and cultural connotations and unique national aesthetic concepts.

Sculpture is a form of shaping art, also known as carving, which is a general term for the three creative methods of sculpting, engraving, and modeling. It utilizes various flexible materials (such as gypsum, resin, clay, etc.) or hard materials that can be carved or engraved (such as wood, stone, metal, jade, agate, aluminum, fiberglass, sandstone, copper, etc.) to create visible and touchable artistic images with a certain amount of space. These images reflect social life and express artists' aesthetic perceptions, emotions, and ideals. Sculpture culture covers the creation techniques, artistic styles, cultural connotations, and inheritance methods of these sculptures.

Chinese sculptural art dates back over 4,000 years. In ancient times, the appearance of stone tools was a significant milestone in human civilization, and the stone tools made by knapping already possessed sculptural characteristics. The birth of true sculpture originated from humans' creation of images. The earliest sculptures embodied the subjective concepts and ideas of people at that time, such as female figure sculptures with exaggerated breasts, protruding bellies, and hips, which represented prehistoric humans' veneration of female fertility and were also the rudiments of totem culture.

On September 30, 2009, at the Fourth Session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage held in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, Chinese seal cutting was reviewed and approved for inclusion in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This decision is not only a high recognition of Chinese seal cutting art but also a respect and protection for Chinese traditional culture.

Development Journey
Pre-Qin Period: Sculptural art during this period was mainly embodied in bronze ware. These bronze ware pieces were morphologically plump, intricately patterned, highly decorative, and had a strong dynamic sense, exhibiting extraordinary casting techniques and high artistic value.

Qin and Han Dynasties: The Terracotta Army of the Qin Shihuang Mausoleum is China's earliest monumental group sculpture, featuring a spectacular and magnificent scene with a horizontal layout and realistic style. It is a miracle in the history of Chinese pottery. The Tomb of Huo Qubing in the Han Dynasty is an early monumental sculpture in China. Its "Horse Trampling on a Hun" employs symbolic and naturalistic techniques, perfectly combining painting with sculpture. Han brick sculptures and painted brick sculptures also reached a certain artistic height in combining painting and sculpture, featuring rich content, ancient and robust forms, and vivid modeling.

Wei, Jin, Northern, and Southern Dynasties: Buddhism was introduced to China, and Buddhist sculpture began to rise, further developing sculptural art and laying the foundation for later grotto sculpture art.

Sui and Tang Dynasties: This was the peak period of ancient Chinese sculptural art, with high achievements in tombstone sculptures, tomb figurines, as well as grotto and temple statues. For example, the Tang people created "tricolored glazed pottery of the Tang Dynasty," and the Leshan Giant Buddha in Sichuan is also an outstanding representative of this period.

Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties: Sculpture development entered a lull, becoming more secular in content and theme. The modeling technique evolved from generalization, simplicity, solidity, and vitality to looseness and delicacy, shifting towards appreciation and entertainment.

Classification of Chinese Sculpture

Religious Sculpture: It is a product of religious propaganda and idol worship. Chinese religious sculpture is mainly Buddhist sculpture, initially an exotic art introduced along with Buddhism from India, later gradually fusing with Chinese aesthetic styles to develop into an artistic form with Chinese national characteristics. Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes, Yungang Grottoes, Longmen Grottoes, and Maijishan Grottoes are outstanding representatives of Buddhist sculpture.

Tomb Sculpture (Mingqi Sculpture): Also known as "funerary objects" or "sacrificial vessels," these are burial objects in ancient tombs, demonstrating ancients' respect and remembrance for the deceased. Terracotta figures are the main content of Mingqi sculpture, which became quite common by the Warring States period.

Mausoleum Sculpture: It is divided into two categories. One is the ceremonial and decorative sculptures composed of stone figures and animals outside the mausoleum, known as "stone images" or "stone statues of officials." The other is decorative sculptures on mausoleum buildings and components, such as tomb gates, steles, memorial halls, tomb passages, and tomb doors.

Memorial Sculpture: It commemorates historical figures and significant historical events. However, with dynasty changes and historical vicissitudes, most ancient memorial sculptures have disappeared, with only historical records for verification.

Architectural Decorative Sculpture: It includes sculptures serving as architectural accessories, such as stone lions and steles in front of ancient buildings, as well as sculptures decorating walls, doors and windows, eaves brackets, and other architectural parts and components. Most of the existing ancient architectural decorative sculptures date from the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Artistic Sculpture: Firstly, it refers to practical items made or decorated in sculptural forms, such as ceramic and bronze ritual vessels, food vessels, and wine vessels. Secondly, it refers to independent ornamental sculptures with decorative functions, such as small jade sculptures, ivory carvings, wood carvings, and bone carvings.

Famous Sculptures in Chinese History:

Terracotta Army of the Qin Shihuang Mausoleum: Known as the Eighth Wonder of the World, the terracotta figures are vivid and lifelike, showcasing the splendid achievements of Qin Dynasty sculptural art. These terracotta figures originally had bright colors but faded due to oxidation after excavation. Nevertheless, they still attract worldwide attention with their magnificent momentum and exquisite craftsmanship.

Horse Trampling on a Hun (Sculpture at Huo Qubing's Tomb): This sculpture employs symbolic and naturalistic techniques, depicting a noble steed trampling on a Hun, demonstrating Huo Qubing's military exploits against the Hun. The sculpture style is simple and majestic, not pursuing intricate details but emphasizing the overall momentum and charm, reflecting the unique style of Han Dynasty sculptural art.

Lushena Buddha (Longmen Grottoes): Lushena Buddha has a kind and dignity appearance with deep and serene eyes, exuding extraordinary temperament and charm. The Buddha's carving craftsmanship is exquisite, with smooth lines and harmonious proportions, showcasing the superb level of Tang Dynasty sculptural art. Its modeling combines both realism and freehand brushwork, adhering to the basic human structure and proportions while incorporating artists' subjective imagination and aesthetic pursuits.

Leshan Giant Buddha: The world's largest seated Maitreya Buddha statue, carved in the Tang Dynasty and completed after 90 years. The Buddha statue is majestic and lifelike, earning the title "The mountain is a Buddha, the Buddha is a mountain."

Popular Sculpture Attractions in China:

Beijing · Chinese People's Anti-War Sculpture Garden: Located in Beijing, this sculpture garden is an important place to commemorate the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japan. The sculptures within the garden vividly recreate the heroic images of the anti-war soldiers, serving as historical witnesses and artistic treasures. These sculptures not only possess high artistic value but also carry profound national emotions and historical and cultural significance.

Xi'an · Terracotta Army Museum: As a World Heritage Site, the Terracotta Army of the Qin Shihuang Mausoleum is known as the "Eighth Wonder of the World." Thousands of terracotta figures, horses, and bronze weapons, with their grand scale, realistic modeling, and impressive lineup, demonstrate the magnificent momentum of the Qin Dynasty military. These terracotta figures are lifelike and varied in form, providing an important window to understand ancient Chinese sculptural art and military culture.

Dunhuang · Mogao Caves
Recommendation Reason: The Mogao Caves in Dunhuang are one of the Four Great Grottoes in China, and the Buddha sculptures inside are outstanding representatives of ancient Chinese sculpture art. Visitors can appreciate the exquisite Buddha sculptures and mural art here, feeling the unique charm of ancient Chinese sculpture art.

Shanghai · Dishui Lake Famous Chinese Sculptors Theme Sculpture Garden: Located in Shanghai, this sculpture garden integrates history and culture, artistic ambiance, and life enjoyment. The sculptures within the garden were created by numerous renowned artists, showcasing diverse styles and innovative ideas. Visitors can appreciate the charm of sculptural art up close here and feel artists' pursuit and expression of beauty.

Guilin · Guilin Stone Carving Art: Guilin is renowned for its unique karst landform and rich historical culture. Among Guilin's landscapes, numerous exquisite stone carvings are scattered, which not only possess high artistic value but also carry rich historical and cultural information. They witness Guilin's long history and splendid culture, serving as an important avenue to understand ancient Chinese sculptural art and stone carving culture.

Chengdu · Leshan Giant Buddha: The Leshan Giant Buddha is the world's largest seated Maitreya Buddha statue, carved in the Tang Dynasty and completed after 90 years. The Buddha's head is 14.7 meters high, its shoulders 24 meters wide, its fingers 8.3 meters long, its knees to feet 28 meters, its feet 8.5 meters wide, and its foot sole can accommodate over 100 people sitting. This magnificent Buddha statue is not only a masterpiece of ancient Chinese sculptural art but also an important symbol of the spread and development of Buddhist culture in China.

Zhangjiajie · Zhangjiajie Scenic Area
Recommendation Reason: Although Zhangjiajie is mainly renowned for its natural scenery, its unique peak-forest landform and natural landscapes are also praised as the "Natural Sculpture Museum." The mountains here rise straight from the ground, taking on various forms, as if they are artworks meticulously carved by nature. Visitors can appreciate the fascinating charm of natural sculptures here and feel the awe-inspiring workmanship of nature.

Hangzhou · Feilai Peak Sculptures
Recommendation Reason: Feilai Peak is located within the West Lake Scenic Area in Hangzhou, and the sculpture group on it is a treasure of ancient sculpture art in southern China. These sculptures are lifelike and take on various forms, demonstrating the superb craftsmanship and abundant imagination of ancient craftsmen. They not only possess extremely high artistic value but also carry rich historical and cultural information.

Yunnan · Yunnan Grotto Art
Recommendation Reason: Many grotto art relics are distributed in Yunnan, such as the Jianchuan Grottoes. The sculptural works inside these grottoes are renowned for their unique artistic style and profound cultural heritage. They not only showcase the superb craftsmanship of ancient sculpture art but also reflect the historical culture and ethnic characteristics of Yunnan.

Tibet · Potala Palace Sculptures
Recommendation Reason: The Potala Palace is one of the landmark buildings in Tibet, and the sculptural works inside are treasures of Tibetan Buddhist art. These sculptures are made of precious metals such as gold, silver, and copper, with vivid and realistic shapes and bright, eye-catching colors. They not only demonstrate the superb craftsmanship of ancient sculpture art but also embody the unique charm of Tibetan Buddhist culture.

Hong Kong · Hong Kong Intangible Cultural Heritage Centre
Recommendation Reason: Although Hong Kong is renowned for its modern urban landscape, it also possesses rich intangible cultural heritage. At the Hong Kong Intangible Cultural Heritage Centre, visitors can appreciate various traditional art forms, including sculptures. These sculptural works not only possess unique artistic styles and cultural connotations but also reflect the historical culture and ethnic characteristics of Hong Kong.

Xinjiang · Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves
Recommendation Reason: The Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves, located in Kuqa County, Xinjiang, are important representatives of ancient grotto art in China. The sculptural works inside the caves are renowned for their unique artistic style and profound cultural heritage. They not only showcase the superb craftsmanship of ancient sculpture art but also reflect the cultural exchanges and fusion along the ancient Silk Road.

Inner Mongolia · Yuan Shangdu Site Sculptures
Recommendation Reason: The Yuan Shangdu Site, located in Zhenglan Banner, Inner Mongolia, is the ruins of the capital city during the Yuan Dynasty. Some sculptural works discovered within the site possess extremely high artistic value and cultural significance. They not only demonstrate the superb craftsmanship of ancient sculpture art but also reflect the cultural prosperity and ethnic fusion during the Yuan Dynasty.

Guizhou · Anshun Dragon Palace Stone Carvings
Recommendation Reason: Anshun Dragon Palace is one of the famous tourist attractions in Guizhou, and its stone carving art is also a major highlight. These stone carving works are renowned for their unique artistic style and profound cultural heritage. They not only showcase the superb craftsmanship of ancient sculpture art but also reflect the historical culture and ethnic characteristics of Guizhou.

Xiamen · Gulangyu Sculpture Art
Recommendation Reason: Gulangyu is a famous island in Xiamen, renowned for its unique architectural style and rich historical culture. Numerous exquisite sculptural works are scattered on Gulangyu. These sculptures not only possess extremely high artistic value but also carry rich historical and cultural information. They witness the long history and splendid culture of Gulangyu and are an important way to understand ancient Chinese sculpture art.

Harbin · Sun Island Sculpture Park
Recommendation Reason: Sun Island Sculpture Park is located on Sun Island in Harbin, a park that integrates sculpture art, natural scenery, and human landscapes. The sculptural works inside the park are diverse in style and form, including both modern abstract artworks and traditional realistic sculptures. These sculptures not only beautify the park environment but also provide a great place for visitors to appreciate sculpture art.

Postscript
Sculptural works often record social changes and cultural developments during specific historical periods, becoming witnesses of history. Some sculptural works reflect local folk customs and traditional cultures, helping visitors understand the local cultural background. Sculpture cultural attractions, with their unique artistic charm, rich cultural connotations, and extensive social value, have become unmissable tourist destinations for visitors. Whether for art lovers, historians, or ordinary tourists, sculpture cultural attractions offer a memorable travel experience.