The word 雕塑 is formed by combining two characters, each representing a core, complementary technique of the art form. The first character, 雕, means to carve, engrave, or chisel, implying the subtractive process of cutting away material like wood or stone. The second, 塑, means to model or mold, representing the additive process of shaping a soft substance like clay. Together, they conceptually merge into a single term that encompasses the entire art of sculpture, defined by the dual fundamental actions of removing material to reveal form and building material up to create it.