August 11, 2026 · 星期二
Wood Carving
木雕· bird of prey
Today’s episode with Jason & AmyThe word 雕 (diāo), meaning 'bird of prey,' is often featured in wood carvings as a symbol of strength and freedom.
立秋 marks the official start of autumn, though the lingering "autumn tiger" heat often hangs on for weeks. Subtle signs appear — a cooler breeze at dawn, the first yellowing leaves, ripening fruit.
People practice 贴秋膘 ("sticking on autumn fat"), eating hearty meats to recover weight lost in summer, and bite into melon (啃秋).
Wood Carving
木雕mù diāo
Wood carving, or 木雕 (mùdiāo), is a revered art form in Chinese culture, celebrated for its intricacy and storytelling. This craft involves the meticulous carving of wood to create detailed reliefs that can be both decorative and functional. In traditional Chinese architecture, wood carvings are often found adorning temples and screens, telling stories through their complex designs[1]. These carvings not only add aesthetic value but also preserve cultural narratives and folklore, making them an integral part of China's artistic heritage.
The process of wood carving requires immense skill and patience. Artisans use a variety of chisels and knives to shape the wood, creating layers and textures that bring scenes to life. Each piece can take weeks or even months to complete, depending on its size and complexity. The subjects of these carvings often include mythical creatures, historical figures, and scenes from nature, reflecting the carver's imagination and the cultural context of the time. Birds of prey, or 雕 (diāo), are a common motif, symbolizing strength and freedom in many carvings.
Today, wood carving continues to be a cherished tradition, with modern artisans blending traditional techniques with contemporary designs. This evolution has helped keep the art form alive, attracting a new generation of artists and enthusiasts. Wood carving studios and workshops are now popular in many regions of China, offering classes and exhibitions that showcase both traditional and modern works. This ongoing interest ensures that wood carving remains a vital part of China's cultural landscape, bridging the past and present through the beauty and craftsmanship of its creations.
The word 雕 (diāo), meaning 'bird of prey,' is often featured in wood carvings as a symbol of strength and freedom.
木雕很精美。
Mùdiāo hěn jīngměi.
Wood carving is very exquisite.
- [1] UNESCO inscription: Traditional craftsmanship of Chinese wood carving, 2010
Jason & Amy on 雕
Podcast: Dragon Daily: Wood Carving — and the word 雕
Jason & Amy on Wood Carving and 雕
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August 11, 2026
Today highlights the birth of a significant historian of Chinese culture and the legacy of an ancient Chinese strategist.
Qing Dynasty / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain) source Death of Strategist Jia Xu 贾诩
Jia Xu, a prominent strategist during the late Eastern Han dynasty, passed away in 223. Known for his intelligence and foresight, he played a key role in advising various warlords.
Jia Xu is celebrated for his strategic acumen and influence during a turbulent period in Chinese history.
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His writings have profoundly shaped Western perspectives on Chinese history and culture.
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雕在树上。
Diāo zài shù shàng.
The bird of prey is on the tree.
The sentence shows the basic meaning of 雕 as 'bird of prey'.
雕刻需要技巧。
Diāokè xūyào jìqiǎo.
Carving requires skill.
Uses 雕 in the context of carving, showing its connection to craftsmanship.
这幅木雕很生动。
Zhè fú mùdiāo hěn shēngdòng.
This wood carving is very vivid.
Highlights the detailed and lively nature of wood carvings.
雕塑如同艺术的飞翔。
Diāosù rútóng yìshù de fēixiáng.
Sculpture is like the flight of art.
Metaphorically connects the dynamic nature of sculpture to the flight of a bird of prey.
的 in possessive structures
noun + 的 + noun
The particle 的 is used to indicate possession or association between two nouns.
Use 的 to link a possessor and the thing possessed.
她的书
Tā de shū
her book
木雕的艺术
Mùdiāo de yìshù
the art of wood carving
老师的教室
Lǎoshī de jiàoshì
the teacher's classroom
What does 雕 mean?
How is 雕 pronounced?
How do you write "bird of prey" in Chinese?
Listen. What does the sentence mean?
这幅木___很精美。(This wood ___ is very exquisite.)
雕在天空中飞翔。 — What does this sentence mean?
Which of the following is a common theme in traditional Chinese wood carvings?
Arrange into a correct sentence
Which historian's work significantly impacted Western understanding of Chinese culture?
Who was known for their strategic acumen during the late Eastern Han dynasty?
Frequently asked questions about the word 雕
Common phrases include 雕刻 (diāokè - to engrave) and 雕塑 (diāosù - sculpture).
The correct pronunciation is diāo, with a high first tone.
Yes, it primarily refers to the act of engraving or carving but can also describe a person as shrewd.
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Today's Mandarin word: 雕 (diāo) — bird of prey.
Learn it on Mandarin Temple's Dragon Daily 🐉