Bamboo Carving Collector

 *All conversations published have gained the consent of speakers.

Bamboo Incense Holder, Guizhou Sculpture Museum. The incense wafts out through small openings (the black spaces) 

Great video showcasing the bamboo carving process

I was a little surprised to see Gang Liang. I was a little surprised when I first saw Gang Liang. He appeared physically frail—much more delicate than the commanding presence I’d imagined behind such an extensive collection. Yet in a way, that only deepened the resonance of his chosen art form: bamboo carving is an act of transforming natural decay into beauty. His quiet presence echoed the very essence of the craft—gentle, refined, and quietly resilient. As an intangible cultural heritage, bamboo carving craftsmanship uses natural moso bamboo roots as the material, making full use of their natural texture and carving along the natural grain to create lifelike pieces.

Our discussion started with a simple question: “What led you to choose bamboo carvings as the focus of your personal collection?”

“How a collector chooses a particular object is always an interesting story. For many, it’s simply a matter of personal preference. In my case, I followed fate by accident. I began paying closer attention to bamboo carvings after purchasing my first piece, and what started as a visually pleasing hobby quickly grew into a deep fascination. Over time, I amassed more and more, gradually becoming an amateur expert in the field. Of course, some people’s collections reflect their financial capabilities, but for me, it’s because bamboo carving has symbolized the celebration of literati culture for thousands of years. It is, in my eyes, the most elegant art form. I’ve always hoped that my collection could echo the richness of China’s cultural history and allow me to continuously learn in the process.”

“There are many categories within bamboo carving. Which types are your personal favorites as a collector?”

Liang adjusted his glasses slightly. “Many forms of bamboo carving are suitable for the tastes of literati—China’s scholar-artists and cultural elite. These include pen holders, incense holders, armrests, and screens, all crafted from bamboo tubes and slices. The subjects carved into bamboo roots include figures, beasts, landscapes, and vegetation. Personally, I am deeply fond of ancient culture, so I would prefer what historical scholars and poets loved the most: calligraphy and paintings carved onto flat armrests... Or, understated yet refined brush holders.”

“There are various schools of bamboo carving art, and your collection includes works from many of them. Which technique do you consider the most technically challenging, and which form of artistic expression do you admire most?”

Brushpot featuring Jiading Carving, E Zhou. 18th Century.

“In art collections, no one form of artistic expression is the absolute highest, and there is no such definition as the best. In terms of personal preference, Jiading bamboo carvings are the finest—many of China’s renowned carvers come from this region. During the Ming Dynasty, He Zhu merged calligraphy and painting into bamboo art, giving rise to the Jiading ‘profound technique,’ which is known for its intricate openwork carving. Later, in the Kangxi period of the Qing Dynasty, Zhichuang Wu’s Bodiyang inscriptions were also outstanding—exquisite and powerful. There are many others... These bamboo carving artists in Jiading essentially used knives as pens, integrating calligraphy, painting, poetry, prose, and printing. Giving new life to bamboo through cultural artistry imbues the carvings with the spirit of scholarship. Of course, technical skill and artistic sensibility must go hand in hand. A truly great piece combines refined knife work, thoughtful composition, deep cultural resonance, and natural harmony in form,” he said, smiling softly.

“Which do you think is your most valuable piece? Not in terms of monetary value, of course. Just from a purely aesthetic perspective.”

Bird Residing in a Lotus Pond, Subai Xu. More information available via Bonhams

“I acquired the Bird Residing in a Lotus Pond by Subai Xu at an auction in Hong Kong. I have always liked Mr. Xu’s works a lot. His shallow-relief bamboo carvings leave ample room for imagination, skillfully blending yin and yang carving techniques. His layering is rich, and his pieces are often accompanied by long calligraphic inscriptions and paintings. His style is both elegant and unconventional—a blend of strong regional influence and individual originality. The piece’s aesthetic value far surpasses any practical use.”

“What’s your biggest regret in the process of collecting bamboo carvings?”

Liang shook his head and let out a sigh. “Collecting bamboo carvings is the same as collecting any other art. There are many times when a piece you like does not end up in your hands. No matter how much you adore it or have made various preparations and efforts to acquire it, you may still miss it because of fate. But,” with a dreamy expression rising on his serene, smiling face, “there’s always more to come.”