Daily Care Guide for Bamboo Carving
Characteristics of Bamboo:
Dragon Blood Golden Bamboo (solid bamboo) is peeled and carved, resulting in a non-smooth surface.
The carving process leaves bamboo fibers (small burrs) on the surface, which do not affect handling and will gradually wear off with frequent brushing.
Care Methods:
Dealing with Sour Smell:
Bamboo develops a sour smell after being soaked in water before processing, which facilitates peeling and carving.
This sour smell is harmless to humans and will dissipate after some handling.
During the carbonization process, some starches and sugars produce sour-smelling substances.
Handling Techniques:
The uneven surface from carving may scratch gloves, so it is recommended to handle with bare hands.
Apply oil frequently and brush often, avoiding dry handling.
Bamboo lacks a kernel and cannot secrete oil, so it relies on external oil for polishing and coloring.
When not in use, store in a sealed bag or soak in an oil box.
Coloring Time:
The time required for coloring varies depending on the temperature and humidity of different cities.
Fast coloring and polishing can take just over a month, while slower processes may take up to half a year.
Patience is key in collectibles; bamboo carving is one of the fastest to mature.
Precautions:
Avoid rushing, as haste leads to poor results.
Regular care is essential to maintain the luster and texture of the bamboo carving.
The choice of oil for maintaining collectibles is crucial, as different oils can have varying effects on the texture and color of the items. Below are some commonly used oils for collectible maintenance and their characteristics:
Olive Oil:
Advantages: Easily accessible and relatively inexpensive.
Disadvantages: Long-term use may darken the surface of the collectible and make it prone to dust accumulation.
Walnut Oil:
Advantages: Often used for wooden collectibles, effectively nourishes and maintains.
Disadvantages: Excessive use may leave the surface greasy.
Baby Oil:
Advantages: Gentle and suitable for various types of collectibles.
Disadvantages: Contains mineral oil, which may not be ideal for certain materials with long-term use.
White Tea Oil:
Advantages: Commonly used for jade and bamboo carvings, effectively maintains and is less prone to spoilage.
Disadvantages: Relatively expensive.
Specialized Collectible Oil:
Advantages: Specifically designed for collectibles, with formulations suitable for various materials.
Disadvantages: Higher cost, and the appropriate product must be selected based on the specific material of the collectible.
Coconut Oil:
Advantages: Natural and suitable for wooden and bamboo collectibles.
Disadvantages: May solidify at low temperatures.
When choosing a maintenance oil, it is important to consider the material of the collectible and the environment in which it is used. For bamboo carvings, white tea oil or specialized collectible oil are good choices, as they effectively maintain the item and are less prone to spoilage. Use the oil sparingly to avoid making the surface greasy or causing discoloration.
