Carving

I have always loved the story and tradition behind Chinese Timber architecture. To become a master carpenter, you must have the technical capability to carve all of the different building elements, and learn the spiritual traditions of building. For instance, the first piece of timber carved for a traditional Chinese home is a beam. The shàngliáng 上梁 or the ridgepole is the first carved piece, but it is the final tectonic element to complete the framework of the building and the most significant piece in the roof structure. Villagers and the family celebrate the placement of the meticulously carved timber with a ‘shàngliáng wén’ 上梁文, a ceremony performed on the day that the beam is hoisted into place, marking the realization of a building’s timber structure, and spiritually safeguarding the space and those who inhabit it.

Xiǎomù 小木 translates to small wood. This is the carpentry practice of carving is difficult and intricate – dealing with small and detailed wood pieces. These pieces tell and families story and values. Xiǎomù 小木 is endlessly complex because the styles are tied to hundreds of generations of art, representation, and spirituality.

Dàmù 大木translates to large wood. The practice of dàmù 大木 is to work with the structural elements of the building. The shàngliáng 上梁文 ridge-poll would be characterized as da mu.

This just some of the inspiration for learning to carve. Maybe I’ll work my way up to the complexity of Xiǎomù 小木. But for now, I will be making simple objects as I learn the ropes while sitting at my kitchen table.