Q: Why does Carved Olive-stone Boat attract you particularly, which later leads you to miniature carving?
Mr. Chen: Miniature carving is an elegant culture that exists only among ancient royalties. When I was a child, I observed Carved Olive-stone Boat, the masterpiece of Chen Zuzhang, in a field trip to National Palace Museum. This masterpiece amazed me and thus aroused my interest in miniature carving.

During my military service, I kept practicing sketching in my free time. After service, I carved steel plates designed for treasury bills for Central Engraving and Printing Plant and got to know how to use tools like steel plates, steel needles, mini brushes, and magnifiers. One time, I carved a landscape painting on a pumpkin seed out of curiosity and was highly recognized among colleagues. From then on, I started to carve using different media, such as wood, stone, cotton, and metal. Dental flosses, sewing needles, and even an ant’s head are precious media for me. For 40 years, I have being studied miniature carving and have made a number of innovative creations.

　　　Carved Olive-stone Boat　　　　            Carving Mr. Chen’s name
                                                                                   on pencil lead

Resource:
  Interviews with Chen Forng-Shean

Compiled by: Chih-Yu, Shao-Ting  

Source of Picture: Cyberfair Photography Team, Chen Forng-Shean