Microcarving is also called rice carving and fine carving, and can be divided into tooth carving, bamboo carving and hair carving. This kind of carving involves engraving calligraphy, painting, poetry, etc. on pieces of ivory, bamboo, rice grains the size of rice grains, or hair strands of several millimeters. It is the most delicate art among traditional Chinese arts and crafts.
Miniature carving has a long history. In the oracle bone inscriptions of the Western Zhou Dynasty, micro-engravings of only 0.6 millimeters were found.
The production of micro-carving handicrafts requires artists to have considerable calligraphy skills and proficiency in using carving tools. When carving, you need to hold your breath and concentrate highly, which has always been called a "stunt skill".
The micro-carving process is represented by Suzhou micro-carving. The poem "Mooring at Maple Bridge at Night" and the "Preface to Orchid Pavilion" engraved on ivory and rice by Zhang Yuji of Suzhou are breathtaking with clear handwriting and vigorous brushwork.