Jinan ICH: Exquisite Miniature Engraving Art

Wang Tianming, the provincial representative inheritor of intangible cultural heritage of Jinan miniature engraving and a master of arts and crafts in Shandong Province, is 75 years old this year and has been engaged in miniature engraving creation for nearly 40 years. Speaking of miniature engraving art, it is the use of knives to carve tiny characters or tiny paintings on any object with a wide range of themes and materials. Although small, the handwriting is neat and regular, with the charm of calligraphy, and the picture is exquisite.

“Miniature engraving is a science of feelings.” Wang Tianming said while engraving words on a small pot, “Many times we rely on our own feelings to engrave, without the use of magnifying glasses or any magnifying devices, relying only on our own eyes and the feeling in our hands. For example, when engraving a line of characters, after the knife is applied, there will be some powder. After sweeping away the powder, the neat and clear characters will come out.”

The miniature engraving technique is amazing, and behind it are years of practice and accumulation. Generally speaking, beginners may not be able to fully master it in the first four or five years, and there are often mistakes in engraving.

Micro Sculpture Art Works [Photo via Jinan International Communication Center]

After decades of continuous creation and exploration, the technique of miniature engraving is no longer a problem, but the challenge lies in the breakthrough of themes and content. This is also what Wang Tianming has been exploring.

Enlarged small teapot [Photo via Jinan International Communication Center]

Speaking of the future of miniature engraving, Wang Tianming is confident, “Although miniature engraving is niche, it has a long history and rich heritage. From ancient times, oracle bone script period, there has been miniature engraving, and later in the pre-Qin, Han Dynasty, Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, up until today, there has always been miniature engraving art, which can be said to be passed down through the generations.”

Now, although he is 75 years old, Wang Tianming still insists on miniature engraving creation and actively participates in various intangible cultural heritage exhibitions, bringing this exquisite craftsmanship to more people. Wang Tianming said, “Miniature engraving is my lifelong career. I will continue to pass it on in my lifetime, using miniature engraving to promote our excellent traditional Chinese culture and let millions of people understand and appreciate the art of miniature engraving.”

（Source:Jinan International Communication Center）