Carving techniques

In ancient times there were several techniques employed in tooth and horn carving, mainly including hollowing and openwork carving, weaving, micro carving, and inlaying.

Hollowing and openwork carving was the most common technique used in industrial arts, and the most representative work is the Ivory Compression Ball made of hollowing and openwork carving, which is the unique quintessence of China.

Weaving is the process of making cloth, rugs, blankets, and other products by crossing two sets of threads over and under each other. Usually, weavers use threads spun from natural fibers like cotton, silk, and wool and synthetic fibers such as nylon and Orlon. But thin, narrow strips of almost any flexible material can be woven. In ivory carving, ivory is made into several even thin strips, and the strips are then woven into different patterns.

The technique of micro-carving refers generally to the engraving of infinitesimal characters on ivory the size of a single human hair. The artist engaged in this unique craft cannot see the work he is doing but must rely on feel. The technique is therefore sometimes described as "carving by one's will".

Inlaying is the process of ornamenting a surface by setting into it material of different color or substance, usually in such a manner as to preserve a continuous plane. Inlay is employed in connection with a great variety of objects, both of major architectural character and of minor furnishing and decorative function, and makes use of a wide range of materials, such as wood, stone, ivory, glass, metal, mother-of-pearl, and tortoiseshell.