What is micro-engraving technology? From a simple understanding of the word, we can know that micro-engraving technology is actually a technology that uses some tools to carve tiny calligraphy, painting or text on jade and other carriers. It is also an art, and it can also be called micro-engraving. technology. In fact, our country had this technology as early as the Shang Dynasty, which shows its long history. So how powerful it is, we can see from this history that the continuous inheritance of an art must have its subtleties.
The most powerful micro-engraving method has to be the hair engraving, which means micro-engraving is performed on the hair. There was such an example in the Tang Dynasty, which can only be seen with a microscope. However, due to the deformation and distortion of the carved calligraphy and painting, the engraving has no collection value. Nowadays, it is more common for us to carve calligraphy and paintings on bamboo, jade, fruit cores, etc., and their collection value is higher than that of engravings.
The most difficult part of micro-engraving is the "micro", that is, the smaller and clearer it is, the better it can reflect the technical level of an engraver. "If a worker wants to do his job well, he must first sharpen his tools." The meaning of this sentence is even more reflected in the micro-engraving. Only having sharp and sharp tools is more conducive to micro-engraving. In addition, because the content of the engraving is so small, it is a great test of the calligraphy and painting skills of the micro-engraver. Only a person with superb calligraphy and painting skills can do micro-engraving well. In addition, the selection of materials during micro-engraving is also a very important skill. Only by selecting the materials can the subtleties of micro-engraving technology be better reflected.
The micro-engraved "Preface to the Lanting Collection" mentioned in the question has an area of ??less than 18 square centimeters. From its area, you can see the exquisiteness of its skills. This is not a level that can be achieved by practicing hard for a period of time. Although technology is constantly advancing, machine micro-engraving has appeared. However, it is not easy to reach a certain level with purely manual micro-engraving technology. Only through years of accumulated practice can one reach a higher state.
Now, micro-engraving technology has become part of the intangible cultural heritage, and this art is worth learning. You can only have a deeper understanding of its subtleties if you come into contact with it personally.