What is the method of real bone carving?
In recent years, the real bone carving method, as an innovative method that combines traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, has attracted much attention in the fields of art collection and cultural inheritance. This article will combine the hot topics and hot content on the Internet in the past 10 days to give you a detailed introduction to the definition, historical origin, production process and market value of the real bone carving method.
1. Definition of real bone carving method

The real bone carving method is a traditional technique that uses animal bones as raw materials to make works of art through carving, polishing, coloring and other processes. Different from modern imitation bone carvings (such as resin imitations), real bone carvings emphasize the use of natural bones, and their finished products have unique texture and historical weight.
2. Historical origins
The history of real bone carvings can be traced back to the Neolithic Age. In the early days, they were mostly used for religious ceremonies or tool making. The following is an overview of the development of real bone carvings in different periods:
| period | Features | Representative works |
|---|---|---|
| neolithic age | Simple engraving, practical tools | bone needle, bone knife |
| Shang and Zhou dynasties | Religious totems, sacrificial supplies | Oracle carving |
| Ming and Qing Dynasties | Art decoration, antique collection | Bone carvings, jewelry |
| modern | Process innovation, cross-border integration | Combining bone carving and 3D printing |
3. Production process
The production of real bone carvings requires many complex processes. The following are the key steps:
| steps | Operation content | Things to note |
|---|---|---|
| Material selection | Choose animal bones with high density and no cracks | Commonly used beef bones and ivory (legal substitutes) |
| Degreasing treatment | Remove grease with chemical solvents | Time needs to be strictly controlled to avoid corrosion |
| design composition | Draw patterns on the bone surface | Consider bone texture direction |
| rough carving | Use a carving knife to shape the general shape | Keep wrist strength even |
| fine carving | Working on the details | Use a magnifying glass to assist |
| polishing | Sanding step by step from coarse to fine sand | Final polishing using a wool wheel |
| color protection | Use natural pigments for coloring | Requires multiple thin coats |
4. Modern Innovation and Market Value
With the development of craft technology, real bone carving has also incorporated modern elements while retaining traditional techniques:
1.Material innovation: Use animal bones from legal sources, such as farmed buffalo bones, camel bones, etc., to replace traditional ivory.
2.Technology integration: Some craftsmen have begun to try to combine 3D scanning technology with hand carving to improve creation efficiency.
3.Art crossover: Real bone carving works appear in the fashion field, such as bone carving jewelry, watch accessories, etc.
The following is the recent transaction status of fine bone carvings in the art auction market:
| Title of work | Creation era | Transaction price (10,000 yuan) | Auction time |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Hundred Horses" bone carving screen | Qing Dynasty | 285 | June 2023 |
| "Dunhuang Feitian" Bone Sculpture | modern | 78 | July 2023 |
| "Twelve Zodiac Signs" Set | Republic of China | 156 | July 2023 |
5. Collection and maintenance suggestions
1.environmental control: Keep the temperature at 15-25℃, the humidity at 45%-55%, and avoid direct sunlight.
2.Cleaning method: Gently sweep the dust with a soft brush, and wipe with a slightly damp cotton cloth if necessary.
3.Restoration Principle: If cracks appear, please ask a professional repairman to deal with them immediately. Do not use glue yourself.
4.Legality confirmation: Before collecting, be sure to confirm that the source of materials is legal, and pay special attention to the relevant regulations of the Convention on the Conservation of Endangered Species (CITES).
Conclusion
As an art form that connects ancient and modern times, the real bone carving method not only carries the essence of traditional culture, but also takes on new life through continuous innovation and development. Understanding its production process and collection value not only helps us better appreciate this art, but also provides new ideas for protecting and inheriting intangible cultural heritage. As people pay more attention to traditional crafts, real bone carving will surely usher in a broader space for development.
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