At a recent exhibition at the Zhejiang Art Museum, one particular “half-finished” seal caught the attention of many amid a display of fine art. This seal, which bears six characters executed in a single, fluid motion, showcases a technique that is both bold and rustic, resembling the strength of a knife rather than traditional brushwork.

This exhibition coincides with the 180th anniversary of the birth of Wu Changshuo, a master of calligraphy and seal cutting and the first president of the Xiling Seal Society. The society organized this event to celebrate the artistic legacy of the master, attracting numerous enthusiasts.

According to staff at the Xiling Seal Society, the “Wu’s Yongmu Hall Seal” is the only surviving example of Wu Changshuo’s handwritten seal draft that remains uncised. The emphasis on careful draft design is reflected in the saying “seven parts design, three parts engraving,” which contributes to the popularity of this particular piece, offering a unique perspective on the master’s work.

Seal carving, an independent art form that blends calligraphy and sculpture, traditionally involves the use of seal script. It was officially recognized as part of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009.

During an interview, Wang Xun, a director at the Xiling Seal Society, explained that materials commonly used in this art form include metal and stone, collectively referred to as “jinshi,” thus giving it the name “jinshi seal carving.”

Nestled on Gushan Mountain and facing West Lake, the Xiling Seal Society, known as the “first seal society under the heavens,” is the first academic group dedicated to the study of this art form and enjoys a prestigious reputation both domestically and internationally.

Over many years of evolution, seal carving has developed three major technical systems: engraving techniques, layout techniques, and knife skills. The process of creating a seal involves several meticulous steps, including smoothing the seal surface, designing the draft, and transferring it onto the stone. Artists must master these techniques and integrate them seamlessly.

Wang demonstrated the carving process, using his left hand to steady a wooden workbench while skillfully etching out characters with a knife in his right hand. He maintained a deliberate distance between the blade and his hand, using curves primarily complemented by straight lines to achieve precise strokes, gradually forming the outline of the seal.

To cultivate a personal style, Wang emphasized that an artist must possess a profound understanding of historical seal styles, a solid foundation in calligraphy, and the ability to translate brushwork into seal carving. Success lies in the mastery of angles, speed, and strength, as well as the careful design of content placement, with varied techniques yielding vastly different outcomes.

“Good work can be judged by its materials and craftsmanship,” noted Qiao Zhongshi, director of the China Seal Art Museum, which houses numerous exemplary pieces of jinshi seal carving, showcasing diverse artistic styles. For instance, the museum’s prized collection features twelve seals by Wu Changshuo, encapsulating the robust and profound character of Wu’s style within the limited space of each piece.

One of these seals, the “Acid Cold Wèi Seal,” created during the Qin and Han dynasties, displays vigorous, straight lines, offering a sense of tranquility while skillfully intertwining dynamic brushwork in the character for “fire,” alongside the character for “seal,” creating a harmonious interplay between movement and stillness.

Wu Changshuo likened seal carving to house construction, underscoring the significance of artistic design in the craft. A look at the works of past masters—like Wu Changshuo’s “Fǒu,” Qi Baishi’s “Zèng,” Lu Xun’s “Rèn,” and Pan Tianshou’s “Lǎn”—demonstrates how each stroke embodies the artist’s individual spirit and design sensibility.

Studying seal carving and experiencing the styles of these masters reveals a universe within each stroke, rich with nuanced details and hidden delights. What is the allure of jinshi seal carving? “It is an art form filled with infinite possibilities within a limited space,” Wang succinctly summed up.