THE ART OF SEAL CUTTING
Sept. 3,2024
Seal cutting refers to the art and technique of engraving characters or patterns on seal materials. This craft has a long history and is especially renowned in China.
Seal cutting is an art form that combines calligraphy and engraving, primarily used to make seals. It integrates various art forms, such as calligraphy, painting, and engraving, and possesses high artistic and practical value. Carving works not only require correct characters and a well-balanced layout but also demand exquisite knife techniques and the overall aesthetic appeal of the seal. With its unique artistic charm and profound cultural heritage, seal cutting has become an important part of traditional Chinese culture.
During the Shang Dynasty, people began engraving characters on tortoise shells and animal bones, known as oracle bone inscriptions, which can be considered the embryonic form of seal cutting. By the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, the use of seals gradually became widespread, and the art of carving began to take shape.
The Qin and Han dynasties were prosperous periods for seal cutting. Carved seals, also called "xi" during this time, symbolized power and status. After Qin Shi Huang unified the six states, he standardized the use of "xi." Over time, seal cutting evolved during the Wei, Jin, Southern and Northern Dynasties, and the Song and Yuan dynasties, gradually forming a unique artistic style with rich cultural significance.
The Ming and Qing dynasties witnessed the peak of seal cutting. Carvings from this period demonstrated mature techniques and diverse styles, and numerous renowned carvers, such as Wen Peng, He Zhen, and Ding Jing, emerged. Their works left a profound impact on future generations, promoting the flourishing development of seal cutting art.
Seal cutting requires artists to possess not only excellent skills but also deep cultural knowledge. Key techniques include the *zhuan* method (selecting and using *zhuan*-style characters), chapter method (organizing the layout of the inscribed characters), and knife techniques (methods for carving with precision). Additionally, techniques such as seal making (treating the seal surface), side inscriptions (engraving on the edges of the seal), and seal printing (transferring the seal impression onto paper) are important aspects of the craft.
The process of seal cutting generally includes material selection, design, drafting, carving, trimming, and seal printing. Material selection is fundamental, requiring the choice of high-quality stones with beautiful colors. Design is a crucial element, involving the determination of the seal's shape, the design of *zhuan* characters, and the overall layout. Carving is the process of engraving the designed characters and patterns onto the stone, which demands exquisite knife skills from the artist.
Seal cutting is not only a practical art form but also a vessel for cultural inheritance. It reflects the development of Chinese characters and the sociocultural traits of various periods, serving as an important pathway to understand and study traditional Chinese culture. With their unique artistic charm and profound cultural heritage, seals have become significant objects of artistic appreciation. By appreciating seal cutting works, one can experience the depth and richness of traditional Chinese culture and the unique charm of this art form.
In an era of increasing material abundance, seal cutting represents a spiritual pursuit. It is not merely the inheritance of skills but also a symbol of a particular lifestyle and spiritual realm. By learning and practicing seal cutting, people can cultivate their emotions, enhance their cultural literacy, and improve their aesthetic sensibilities.