Art of Chinese Seal Engraving

The art of seal engraving is a cornerstone of Chinese fine arts. The seal was originally used as a signature or sign of authority, but it came to be used by all social classes and in much of Asia. The Seal Engravers’ Society of Xiling in Zhejiang Province, central China, which was founded a century ago, preserves the art of seal engraving along with approximately a hundred other specialized institutions. The design is first sketched on paper, and then engraved on stone, in reverse, with a knife. In addition to mastery of traditional calligraphy, the art of engraving requires a high degree of virtuosity, since the artist works on a tiny surface area where every curve, every thickness of line counts. The very diverse motifs are the fruit of the artist’s imagination and culture. As an instrument of calligraphy and painting, the seal is a work of art in itself. It expresses an entire culture’s ideas about humankind and nature. Today, seals continue to be used in official documents and private correspondence. Even though those understanding the complex characters are ever fewer, the art of seal engraving is still practised by both professionals and amateurs.

Seal Engraving (Xiling Seal-Engravers' Society)

Seal engraving is a traditional Chinese art craft and Xiling Seal-Engravers' Society in Hangzhou is the most influential academic community where this ancient art form is taught. 

During the dynasties of Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911), Hangzhou was home to many renowned seal engraving masters. The creation of and study of seal engraving became a popular art form in the city, pushing forward the foundation of the Xiling Seal-Engravers' Society. 

Founded in 1904 during the late Qing Dynasty, Xiling Seal-Engravers' Society is also the oldest one of its kind. Renowned artist Wu Changshuo took the position of the society’s first president in 1913. Adhering to the principle of “preserve seal engraving, study seal theories and develop painting and calligraphy”, the society has made great achievements in artistic creation, academic research, cultural relics study and collection, publication, and cultural communication. It plays an important role in preserving traditional culture. Honored as the “World’s Most Famous Society”, Xiling Seal-Engravers' Society extends its influences to Japan, South Korea, North America, and Europe. 

Seal engraving was included in the "catalogue of national representative of intangible heritage culture items" in 2006 and "Chinese seal engraving" entered the Masterpieces of the Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2009.