Small Woodworking – Peach Pit Carving

How small can woodworking get? Well, it can’t get much smaller than peach pit carving. The small woodworking practice of peach pit carving has been done for centuries, can be done in different ways, and includes a variety of subjects.

The peach pit ( also known as peach stone) itself is composed of two parts: a hard, wood-like material on the outside (putamen), and a nut-like seed on the inside (kernel). The uncarved pit has an irregular, wrinkled surface, resembling a tiny brain. The wood-like putamen is what is carved. The kernel is sometimes removed but is never part of the finished product. The pits range in size from about 3/4 to 1 3/4 inches.

 The practice of peach pit carving probably originated in China, where   the peach is a symbol of longevity. The first record of it dates back   nearly one thousand years to the Song dynasty. It is also known that   the art of peach pit carving was very popular during China’s Ming and   Qing dynasties, stretching from the fourteenth to the twentieth   centuries.

 However, examples of peach pit carving can be found throughout the   world. Apparently some people everywhere just like to sit and carve   tiny objects out of peach pits.

The practice can be done with different cutting instruments and may include finishing. Some carvers use only penknives, jackknives, or pairing knives. However, professionals may use additional tools such as files, gouges, chisels, or X-Acto knives. These are essential for carving fine details into the pit. Sand paper and similar abrasives are sometimes used to shape or finish the pieces. They may also be painted or rubbed with oils to give them a lustrous finish.

There is a limitless number of objects which can be carved out of a peach pit. Two standards are baskets and monkeys, especially one biting his tail. Animals seem to be a favorite subject of many carvers, although I have also seen portraits and various symbols such as hearts, diamonds, clubs, and spades also done. The only limit is the imagination and skill of the carver.

Peach pit carving is a very old practice which can be done with different materials and made into many different things. If you want to do some really small woodworking, this is definitely one option.

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