On an otherwise ordinary summer day in June 2024, I suddenly woke from sleep around three or four in the morning. An intense urge to learn seal engraving surged through my mind. I had absolutely no idea where it came from. At that time, I was learning about calligraphy. My only exposure to seal engraving…
The seal is a cultural artifact unique to China. In ancient times, it primarily served as a tool for identity verification and a symbol of authority, addressing practical social and administrative needs of the time. Seals have existed since the Shang and Zhou dynasties, evolving alongside advancements in materials—such as pottery, bronze, and jade—and the…
In an age dominated by digital technology, the ancient art of seal engraving continues to shine in the fields of calligraphy, painting, collecting, and culture. What is the timeless charm contained within this miniature art of metal and stone, allowing it to remain vibrant for thousands of years? A Symbol of Identity and Trust Historically,…
When admiring a Chinese seal, have you ever been captivated by two distinctly different visual effects? One features striking, prominent red characters, while the other presents subtle, reserved white characters, akin to openwork carvings on red silk. The latter is the highly captivating intaglio technique in seal engraving. So, what is intaglio? What makes it unique? This article…
When you admire a Chinese painting or piece of calligraphy, have you ever noticed those small, red stamps dotted amongst the ink and brushwork? These petite, archaic-charm-laden imprints are manifestations of the art of “Zhuanke,” or seal engraving. So, what exactly is seal engraving? It is far more than simply carving a name; it is…