Research on the Cultural Value Analysis of Lingnan Intangible Cultural Heritage Gray Sculpture

: This study delves into the history, technical characteristics, cultural significance, and the process of inheritance and creative reimagining of the gray sculpture craft in the Lingnan region. By tracing the origins and development of this traditional craft, we gain an understanding of its traditional role within Lingnan culture. The research also focuses on the craft's technical features, modes of inheritance, and its cultural value to Lingnan culture. Furthermore, we explore methods of preserving the gray sculpture craft and strategies for addressing the challenges of its inheritance. In terms of contemporary inheritance and creative reimagining, the study examines how modern artists and designers incorporate the craft into their creations, and the impact of creative reimagining on the craft, as well as marketing strategies. Lastly, through international comparisons and case studies, the study provides insights and inspiration for the inheritance and creative reimagining of the Lingnan gray sculpture craft.


Introduction
The Lingnan region boasts a rich and diverse cultural tradition, with the gray sculpture craft being one of its unique cultural heritages.This ancient craft carries social, religious, and folk traditions, integrating a diverse array of cultural elements, becoming a symbol of the culture.However, in the face of modernization, the gray sculpture craft is facing unprecedented challenges.This paper delves into its history, technical characteristics, cultural significance, inheritance, and innovation.We focus on its contributions to cultural inheritance and identity, while also exploring methods for preserving and inheriting this cultural heritage.Through historical review, analysis of technical characteristics, modes of inheritance, and the study of the craft's contemporary inheritance and innovation, as well as international experiences, we offer insights into the Lingnan intangible cultural heritage of gray sculpture.

Origins and Evolution: Exploring the Roots of Intangible Gray Sculpture Craft
The intangible gray sculpture craft in the Lingnan region has a long history, dating back thousands of years.This craft took root in the Lingnan land and, through a long process of historical development and inheritance, gradually evolved into a distinctive art form.By tracing its origins, we can understand the initial driving force and intention behind this cultural heritage, delving deep into its ancient historical roots.

Traditional Status and Cultural Value: The Unique Role of Intangible Gray Sculpture Craft in Lingnan Culture
Intangible gray sculpture craft is not just a manual skill but also a symbol of Lingnan cultural tradition.In the history and culture of Lingnan, this craft plays a significant role, continuously providing unique cultural value to various social, religious, and cultural activities.It reflects the rich diversity of Lingnan society, the mystique of religious ceremonies, and people's contemplation of life and death cycles.Therefore, understanding the traditional status and cultural value of the intangible gray sculpture craft in Lingnan culture is essential for preserving and passing down this valuable heritage.[1]

The Essence of the Craft: Technical Characteristics of Intangible Gray Sculpture Craft
The intangible gray sculpture craft carries the essence of Lingnan culture with its unique technical characteristics, which are manifested in various aspects of the craft:

Ingenious Use of Materials
Materials used in gray sculpture primarily include hydrated lime, paper ribs, straw, mineral pigments, steel nails, and steel wire.These materials are resistant to acid, alkali, and temperature changes, enhancing the durability of sculptures.Hydrated lime hardens when it comes into contact with water, making it suitable for Lingnan's humid climate and effectively adding weight to the ridges of ancient buildings, resisting typhoon attacks.It is a "breathing" material, demonstrating the high practical value of gray sculpture.In addition, the pigments used in intangible gray sculpture craft have their uniqueness, influenced by the Lingnan painting style, featuring warm colors like red and yellow, creating a lively and festive scene when viewed from a distance.[2]

Application of Tools
The intangible gray sculpture craft involves the use of various creative tools, including carving tools, molds, and painting tools.Carving tools are among the most commonly used tools by artisans, employed for sculpting and cutting gray sculpture works, capable of achieving everything from simple lines to complex textures.Molds can be used for creating repetitive parts, ensuring the consistency of works.Painting tools are used for coloring, including fine brushes and pigment mixing tools, allowing artisans to depict details and colors finely.Artisans skillfully use these tools, showcasing the beauty of the craft's technique, from rough shaping to intricate carving.

Exquisite Craftsmanship in the Production Process
The production process of intangible gray sculpture craft is filled with technical details.From the initial conceptualization to the final stages of carving, drying, and painting, each step reflects the artisans' pursuit of perfection.The initial conceptualization stage involves the artist's or artisan's creative inspiration and the translation of this concept into a specific design.In the carving stage, artisans employ various tools to finely shape the gray clay into the desired form.Drying and painting are the critical final steps, directly impacting the texture and visual effect of the work.[3] Throughout the production process, artisans need to collaborate closely, interconnecting each step, collectively creating stunning intangible gray sculpture artworks.

Pathways of Inheritance: Inheritance Models of Intangible Gray Sculpture Craft
The inheritance of intangible gray sculpture craft is a crucial topic concerning the preservation of cultural traditions.It requires not only the transmission of artisanal skills but also innovation and education.The following are inheritance models of intangible gray sculpture craft:

Master-Apprentice System
The master-apprentice system has always been the core model of inheritance for intangible gray sculpture craft.Seasoned artisans personally act as teachers, imparting their skills to the younger generation.In this process, apprentices learn carving techniques, material handling, tool usage, and the essentials of artistic creation.This oral tradition of inheritance ensures the continuity of the technique while passing down the artisans' accumulated experience and artistic concepts.

Schools and Training Programs
To promote the inheritance of intangible gray sculpture craft, some schools and training programs have started offering relevant courses.These educational institutions typically invite experienced artisans as instructors, providing students with systematic education and training.This approach can attract more young individuals to participate in the intangible heritage inheritance, widening the avenues for inheritance.[4] Moreover, schools and training programs emphasize the imparting of theoretical knowledge, helping students better understand the history and cultural background of the craft.

Digital Inheritance
With the development of digital technology, some artisans and organizations have begun to explore digital methods of inheriting intangible gray sculpture craft.This includes recording the production process through video, creating online educational platforms, and using virtual reality technology for remote training.Digital inheritance not only aids in spreading the technique on a global scale but also records precious craft details for future reference.

Community Engagement and Exhibition Activities
Some inheritors of intangible gray sculpture craft actively engage in community activities and art exhibitions.They conduct workshops in the community, showcase their works, and attract young people to participate and learn about the craft.This community engagement not only promotes inheritance but also strengthens the connection between the craft and the local community.[5] The inheritance models of intangible gray sculpture craft are diverse, combining traditional oral traditions with modern educational and technological methods.The common goal of these models is to ensure the preservation of this precious cultural heritage and provide a solid foundation for future innovation and development.

Historical Origins of Lingnan Intangible Gray Sculpture Craft
The intangible gray sculpture craft in the Lingnan region has a long history dating back several centuries.This craft has deep historical roots in the Lingnan region and carries a wealth of cultural significance.By examining the history, religion, and traditional customs of the Lingnan region, we can discover the historical origins of intangible gray sculpture craft in this area, which form the basis of its cultural value.

Artistic Expression and Aesthetic Value
Lingnan intangible gray sculpture craft is renowned for its unique artistic expression and aesthetic value.Artisans, through intricate carving and exquisite painting techniques, showcase the unique landscapes, religious beliefs, and cultural traditions of the Lingnan region in their works.These works not only hold aesthetic value but also convey rich cultural content, reflecting the history and spiritual world of the Lingnan region.

Symbolism in Religion and Belief
In the Lingnan region, intangible gray sculpture craft is often closely linked to religion and belief.Many craftworks are used as part of religious ceremonies, serving as symbols of faith.These craftworks carry people's religious emotions and spiritual beliefs, holding profound religious and belief-based cultural value.

Continuation of Traditional Customs
Lingnan intangible gray sculpture craft plays a vital role in traditional customs.For instance, in festive events and wedding ceremonies, the craft's works are frequently used to decorate venues and convey auspicious symbolism.This continued tradition tightly connects Lingnan intangible gray sculpture craft with local traditional customs, becoming a part of cultural inheritance.

Cultural Inheritance of Lingnan Intangible Gray Sculpture Craft
By exploring the cultural value of Lingnan intangible gray sculpture craft, we can better understand its position and role in Lingnan culture.These cultural values are reflected not only in the craftworks themselves but also in traditional customs and religious beliefs, providing strong support for the cultural inheritance and development of the Lingnan region.Therefore, the protection and inheritance of Lingnan intangible gray sculpture craft are crucial for preserving the cultural traditions of this region.

Urgency in Protecting Intangible Gray Sculpture Craft
As a precious heritage of Lingnan culture, the uniqueness and cultural value of intangible gray sculpture craft are increasingly evident in contemporary times.However, due to the impact of modernization and industrialization, this traditional craft is facing the threat of extinction.Hence, the urgency of protecting intangible gray sculpture craft is self-evident.

Decline of Traditional Crafts
With the changing times, the techniques of many traditional crafts have gradually been lost, the artisan workforce is aging, and the younger generation lacks inheritance.Intangible gray sculpture craft is also influenced by this trend.Therefore, it is necessary to take active measures to pass down and cultivate a new generation of artisans to ensure the continuity of this craft.

Formulation of Cultural Heritage Protection Policies
The government should actively engage in the protection of intangible gray sculpture craft by enacting relevant laws, regulations, and policies to protect and manage critical material resources.Additionally, the government can provide financial support for training young artisans and promoting intangible gray sculpture craft.

Inheritance and Training Programs
Establishing inheritance and training programs is central to the preservation of intangible gray sculpture craft.These programs can train the younger generation by recruiting seasoned artisans to pass down traditional skills and knowledge.At the same time, colleges and cultural institutions can offer relevant courses to attract more young individuals.

Research and Innovation
Promoting the development of intangible gray sculpture craft requires continuous research and innovation.Researchers can explore new materials and craft techniques to enhance the sustainability and modernity of the craft.Encouraging artisans to create new works that better integrate intangible gray sculpture craft with modern life is essential.

The Future of Intangible Gray Sculpture Craft
Intangible gray sculpture craft, as a treasure of Lingnan culture, has irreplaceable value.Through proactive protection and inheritance measures, we can hope to ensure the continuation of this traditional craft and its transmission to future generations.Moreover, intangible gray sculpture craft will find new vitality in modern society, integrating with contemporary culture and contributing to the inheritance and development of Lingnan culture.

Preservation of Traditional Craft
In the Lingnan region, intangible gray sculpture craft carries a rich history and cultural tradition.The preservation of traditional craft is achieved through apprenticeship systems and familial inheritance.Seasoned artisans pass down their skills to the younger generation through oral transmission, helping to maintain the authenticity and essence of the craft.This transmission encompasses not only technical skills but also the cultural values behind the craft, including historical stories and traditional significance.This traditional continuation aids in passing cultural traditions to the new generation, ensuring that intangible gray sculpture craft continues to possess profound cultural content in contemporary times.

Innovation and Modernization
While traditional preservation is vital, there is also a need to integrate intangible gray sculpture craft into contemporary society to meet modern demands.Some artisans and artists are beginning to introduce new materials and modern technology into the craft.They explore new materials such as resin and fiberglass to enhance the craft's durability and expressive capabilities.At the same time, some creators infuse modern aesthetic elements into their designs and creations, making intangible gray sculpture pieces more appealing to contemporary aesthetic preferences.These innovation efforts contribute to the craft's preservation and development, making it remain attractive in modern society.

Rise of the Cultural and Creative Industries
Intangible gray sculpture craft is not merely a skill but also an essential component of the cultural and creative industries.Increasingly, artisans and creators are combining intangible gray sculpture craft with the creative industries, introducing various cultural and creative products.These products not only inherit the essence of the craft but also bring economic benefits to artisans.From cultural exhibitions to tourism souvenirs, the cultural and creative products of intangible gray sculpture craft are gaining prominence in the market, creating more employment and development opportunities for artisans.

Education and Training
To ensure the inheritance of intangible gray sculpture craft, some institutions and schools are actively offering relevant education and training courses.They nurture young apprentices and impart the craft's skills and knowledge.These courses aim to inspire students' interest in intangible gray sculpture craft while providing systematic learning and practical opportunities.Through this approach, the younger generation is able to learn and inherit the craft, offering robust support for its future transmission.

Social Engagement and Protection
The contemporary inheritance and protection of intangible gray sculpture craft require active engagement from society.Government authorities and cultural organizations are actively promoting protection efforts, enacting policies and regulations to ensure the transmission and development of the craft.Moreover, individuals from various sectors of society, including volunteers, scholars, artists, and more, are actively participating.They focus on, support, and engage in the transmission of intangible gray sculpture craft, providing a broad social foundation for its protection.
Through contemporary inheritance and creative revival, Lingnan intangible gray sculpture craft is reinvigorated in modern society, continuing to make a positive contribution to cultural traditions and the creative industries.This precious cultural heritage continues to shine with a unique cultural radiance in today's world.

Challenges to the Survival of Traditional Craft
Intangible gray sculpture craft, as a precious tradition of Lingnan culture, faces significant challenges to its survival.Firstly, the impact of modern lifestyles is causing more people to lose interest in traditional handicrafts.Accelerated urbanization and the fast pace of life lead the younger generation to be less willing to invest time in learning and inheriting this ancient craft, resulting in a gradual decline in the artisan workforce.Secondly, the pressures on the inheritance of Lingnan culture pose a challenge to intangible gray sculpture craft.The influence of modern culture is causing a gradual weakening of people's connection to traditional culture, and the fading of traditional values and customs also affects the inheritance of intangible gray sculpture craft.

Sustainable Protection and Development
To protect and develop intangible gray sculpture craft, sustainability issues must be considered.Firstly, it is essential to protect the ecological environment since the raw materials and production environment required for the craft have an impact on natural resources and ecological balance.Careful treatment is needed at various stages, including mining, material preparation, and craft processing, to ensure no irreversible harm to the environment.Secondly, the sustainability of sociocultural aspects is crucial.To ensure the inheritance and cultivation of artisan talent, systematic training programs must be established to attract more young people to engage in intangible gray sculpture craft and inherit the skills.The dissemination and inheritance of cultural traditions in society also need continuous attention and support, presenting intangible gray sculpture craft to the public through methods such as museums and cultural festivals.

Balancing Innovation and Tradition
While protecting intangible gray sculpture craft, innovation is also necessary to better adapt the craft to the needs of contemporary society.Balancing the transmission of skills with modern innovation is crucial.Traditional artisans can enrich the expressive forms of the craft by exploring new materials and modern craft techniques.For instance, the research of environmentally friendly materials can reduce the craft's environmental impact and better meet modern aesthetic demands.Balancing cultural tradition with contemporary requirements allows intangible gray sculpture craft to find new development space in today's society.This can be achieved through collaborations with modern fields like architecture and interior design, integrating traditional craft into contemporary life.

Future Prospects and Recommendations
To ensure the future development of intangible gray sculpture craft, here are some recommendations:

Development Strategies and Policy Suggestions
Government authorities and cultural institutions need to formulate corresponding development strategies and policies to encourage the inheritance and innovation of intangible gray sculpture craft.This includes policy measures such as providing financial support, enacting cultural protection regulations, and cultural heritage certification.Additionally, the establishment of protection zones and innovation centers for intangible gray sculpture craft provides places for artisans to exhibit their craft and learn.

Social Engagement and Cultural Protection
Active engagement and support from various sectors of society are crucial for the protection and development of intangible gray sculpture craft.Cultural protection is not solely the responsibility of the government; it requires extensive social participation.Cultural activities, exhibitions, workshops, and other forms can attract more people to understand and support intangible gray sculpture craft.
Social involvement can drive the transmission and dissemination of cultural traditions, enhancing the sustainability of intangible gray sculpture craft.
Through comprehensive measures, intangible gray sculpture craft is expected to continue contributing to the inheritance and development of Lingnan culture in the future.Protecting the ecological environment, inheriting artisan skills, balancing innovation and tradition, and promoting social engagement and policy support will be key to achieving sustainable development for this precious cultural heritage.Only by considering all these factors comprehensively can this valuable cultural heritage continue to shine in the future.

Conclusion
In summary, the intangible gray sculpture craft represents the unique cultural heritage of the Lingnan region.This study has delved into various aspects of its history, technical characteristics, cultural value, inheritance, and creative revitalization.This craft plays a vital role in Lingnan culture and symbolizes cultural inheritance and identity.However, with the acceleration of the modernization process, it faces a series of challenges, including environmental pollution, scarce materials, and the decline of traditional craftsmanship.
To ensure the future development of intangible gray sculpture craft, action must be taken.This includes formulating protective policies and inheritance plans, promoting environmental conservation, balancing the needs of tradition and modernity, nurturing a new generation of artisans, and encouraging the rise of the cultural and creative industries.Only through comprehensive strategies and active social participation can we protect and inherit this precious cultural heritage, making a lasting contribution to the diversity of Lingnan and global cultural traditions.