The compositional layout in seal engraving(Traditional Chinese Seal Carving (Zhuanke)) refers to the method of arranging the design based on the characters and the seal face. Today, we introduce “contrast” as a key compositional technique. The contrast method involves creating a striking opposition between the density of strokes and the balance of red and white…
The establishment and enduring appeal of an art form are intrinsically linked to its unique tools and materials. Truly successful works are always the result of fully harnessing the inherent characteristics of these implements and substances. Seal engraving possesses its distinctive aesthetic value precisely because of the special properties of the knife and the stone….
By the mid-Ming Dynasty, seals had evolved into a distinctive art form of engraving. They transitioned from being practical items or accessories to calligraphy and painting into an independent art form. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, the art of seal engraving flourished with numerous masters and diverse schools. These schools were typically named after…
The methods of holding the engraving knife in seal carving primarily vary depending on the tools, materials, and the size of the object being carved. Delving deeper, the evolution of engraving techniques encompasses various knife grips, with the main ones being the Three-Finger Grip and auxiliary methods. Here, we focus on two fundamental grips and…
After understanding the art of seal engraving, let’s shift our perspective to how to appreciate the work itself. Only with some ability to appreciate it can one gradually clarify their own direction in learning this art: 1. The Unique Aesthetic of the “Spirit of Metal and Stone” Unlike the blended, fluid interaction of ink and…
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…