Master Chen Dong
Master Chen Dong
Dong Chen, with ancestral roots in Yongjia, was born in Longquan in 1981. He is a Master of Arts and Crafts in Lishui, a Senior Arts and Crafts Artist, a member of the Zhejiang Young and Middle-aged Masters Committee, a member of the Zhejiang Folk Literature and Art Association, a member of the Zhejiang Sword Forging Skills Professional Committee, an inheritor of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in Lishui City, Zhejiang Province, a recipient of the “Green Valley Newcomer Talent” award in Lishui City, Zhejiang Province, and a member of the Expert Committee of the Longquan Talent Association. He currently serves as the swordsmith at “Chen’s Akin Sword Shop.”
Raised under the guidance of his father, Akin Chen, Dong Chen began his apprenticeship in sword forging, learning the fundamental processes such as forging, grinding, engraving, and quenching. Through years of unwavering dedication and diligent study, he has mastered the various craft techniques of sword making. Today, he is capable of independently designing and crafting swords that meet traditional craft standards and has developed a distinctive style in sword design.
Since the 2001 award of the inaugural Zhejiang Province Arts and Crafts Masterpieces Prize for the “Triangular Pattern Shangfang Sword” co-designed and crafted with his father, Dong Chen has been continuously innovating and breaking through traditional sword design and production methods. His commitment to learning and mastering new sword forging techniques has resulted in works that are uniquely shaped, exquisitely crafted, and embody a strong personal style. This has also earned him various accolades. In 2009, he won the “Dongdiao Cup” Gold Award at the first China Zhejiang Arts and Crafts Masterpieces Expo with his work “Prince Sword.” His piece “Dragon Soaring in the Sky” secured the Gold Award in the “2012 China Arts and Crafts Masters’ Works and Arts and Crafts Masterpieces Expo” competition.
Awards and Honors of Dong Chen
– **2001**: Collaborated with his father to innovate and design the “Triangular Pattern Shangfang Sword,” which won the inaugural Zhejiang Province Arts and Crafts Masterpieces Award.
– **2002**: Designed the “Zhong Kui Sword” and “Dragon Soaring Sword,” earning the Commemorative Awards at the first Lishui Tourism Product Design Competition.
– **2002**: The “Yuchang Sword” and “Guardian Sword” were awarded the Finalist Awards at the first Lishui Tourism Product Competition.
– **2008**: The “Qing Wang Sword” was specially invited to participate in the Lishui City “Jindian Cup” Anti-Corruption Handicraft Exhibition.
– **2009**: The “Eight Treasures Sword” received the “Dongdiao Cup” Excellence Award at the first China Zhejiang Arts and Crafts Masterpieces Expo.
– **2009**: The “Prince Sword” won the “Dongdiao Cup” Gold Award at the first China Zhejiang Arts and Crafts Masterpieces Expo.
– **2009**: The “Eight Treasures Sword” was awarded the Excellence Award at the 10th China Arts and Crafts Masterpieces Expo and the “Tian Gong Yi Yuan • Bai Hua Cup” China Arts and Crafts Masterpieces Award.
– **2009**: The “Prince Sword” received the Masterpieces Award in the third Zhejiang Province Arts and Crafts Masterpieces Award evaluation.
– **2012**: The “Buddha Sword” won the Silver Award at the 47th National Arts and Crafts Fair in the “Golden Phoenix • Yangzhou Division” Innovative Product Design Competition.
– **2012**: The “Dragon Soaring in the Sky” won the Gold Award at the “2012 China Arts and Crafts Masters’ Works and Arts and Crafts Masterpieces Expo” competition.
– **2012**: The “Silver-Clad Fish Intestine Sword” received the Excellence Award at the 2012 China (Qingdao) Arts and Crafts Expo in the “Golden Phoenix * Qingdao Division” Innovative Product Design Competition.
– **2013**: The “Zodiac Sword” won the Silver Award at the 48th National Arts and Crafts Fair in the “Golden Phoenix • Yangzhou Division” Innovative Product Design Competition.
– **2013**: The “Warring States Sword” received the “Ming and Qing Residence Cup” Bronze Award at the third China Zhejiang Arts and Crafts Masterpieces Expo.
– **2013**: The “Jiaolong Yue Wang Sword” won the “Ming and Qing Residence Cup” Gold Award at the third China Zhejiang Arts and Crafts Masterpieces Expo.
– **2013**: The “Warring States Sword” was awarded the Bronze Award at the inaugural Zhejiang Province Arts and Crafts Biennale.
– **2014**: The “Tenglong Sword” won the “Arts and Crafts Gold Award” at the 29th China Beijing International Gift and Craft Fair.
– **2014**: The “Qingquan Sword” received the “Arts and Crafts Silver Award” at the 29th China Beijing International Gift and Craft Fair.
– **2014**: The “Jiaolong Yue Wang Sword” was awarded the Silver Award in the Sword Group at the inaugural Longquan Celadon and Longquan Sword Annual Grand Prix.
– **2014**: The “Shenshou Yue Wang Sword” won the “CITIC Cup” Grand Prize at the fourth China Zhejiang Arts and Crafts Masterpieces Expo.
– **2014**: The “Yongle Sword” won the “Gold Award” at the 2014 “Qingyi Cup” Arts and Crafts Innovation Design Competition.
– **2014**: The “Beile Sword” received the “Gold Award” at the “Intangible Cultural Heritage Transmission – Zhejiang Sword Forging Skills Masterpieces Exhibition.”
– **2014**: The “Star Sword” won the “Silver Award” at the “Green Mountains and Clear Waters, Chinese Dream” Zhejiang Folk Arts Masterpieces Exhibition.
– **2014**: The “War Sword” received the “Silver Award” at the 15th China Arts and Crafts Masters’ Works and International Arts and Crafts Masterpieces Expo [Dongyang] for the 2014 “China Original * Baihua Cup” China Arts and Crafts Masterpieces Award.
– **2014**: The “Beile Sword” won the “Gold Award” in the folk handicraft visual arts category at the Zhejiang Province Rural Cultural Hall Achievement Exhibition and the inaugural “Zhejiang Province Small Towns, Big Culture Demonstration Sample” award ceremony.
– **2015**: The “Gilt Noble Sword” won the “Gold Award” at the 2015 China (Hangzhou) Ouyi Legacy Longquan Sword Masterpieces Exhibition.
– **2015**: The “Meteorite Sword” received the “Silver Award” at the fifth China Zhejiang Arts and Crafts Masterpieces Expo.
– **2015**: The “Beile Sword” participated in the 12th China (Wuxi) International Design Expo (May 22-25, 2015) and was awarded the Excellent Display Award.
– **2015**: The “Gilt Noble Sword” was awarded the “Excellent Work Award” at the second Zhejiang Arts and Crafts Biennale.
Permanent Collections
– The “Warring States Sword” is collected by the China National Arts and Crafts Museum.
– The “Twelve Zodiac Swords” is collected by the China National Arts and Crafts Museum.
– The Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications has issued his sword works as a limited edition commemorative stamp.
Publications and Exhibitions of Dong Chen
Publications:
– **2012**: His paper “A Brief Discussion on the Evolution of Sword Functions in the Changing Times” was published in the fifth issue of the “Zhejiang Arts and Crafts” magazine, demonstrating his insight into the historical and cultural significance of swords.
– **2013**: “A Discussion on the Inheritance and Innovation of Modern Longquan Sword Forging Techniques” was featured in “Zhejiang Arts and Crafts,” showcasing his commitment to preserving traditional skills while embracing modern innovations.
Exhibitions and Contributions:
– **2012**: His personal achievements and works were highlighted in “The Collection of Works by Ten Distinguished Experts and Their Students in Zhejiang Folk Literature and Art,” marking his status as a leading figure in the field.
– **2012**: His accomplishments and creations were showcased in “The First Zhejiang Arts and Crafts Biennale Collection,” further cementing his reputation as a master craftsman.
– **August 2014**: His personal achievements and works were included in “The Zhejiang Folk Arts Exhibition” and “The Zhejiang Folk Literature and Art Association,” reflecting his significant contributions to the preservation and promotion of folk arts.
– **August 2015**: His works and personal achievements were featured in “The Second Zhejiang Arts and Crafts Biennale Collection,” published by the China Academy of Art Press, highlighting his continued influence in the arts and crafts community.
– **September 2015**: His contributions were commemorated in “The 70th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression,” published in “People’s Daily – Artists,” a significant honor that underscores his national recognition.
– **April 2015**: His “Han Sword” was donated to the second “Boundless Love · Arts and Crafts Masterpieces Charity Sale Event,” demonstrating his philanthropic spirit and dedication to the arts.
