Seal Carving

Seal Carving

Seal carving, with a history dating back more than 3,000 years, is a traditional Chinese art form that combines calligraphy and engraving to create seals. During the Qin and Han dynasties (221 B.C.-A.D. 220), imperial seals became symbols of power and identity. Legend has it that during the Qin Dynasty, Prime Minister Li Si (?-208 B.C.) was commissioned by Emperor Qin Shi Huang to engrave the He Shi Bi jade seal, which served as proof of legitimacy for all subsequent emperors in Chinese history. Later on, seal carving gradually became more popular and was used more widely for signatures and collections. Today, seal carving is still popular, as seen in the seal emblem of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, which features an antique-style design.

Seal carving is a traditional art form in China that combines the spirit of craftsmanship with classical Chinese aesthetics. By the application of knife and pen, it showcases the diversity and intricacy of Chinese characters within a small space. Through grand calligraphy, pleasing composition, and smooth and delicate carving, seal carving conveys the unique charm of traditional art. It is not only a cultural treasure of the Chinese nation, but also a brilliant gem in the world's intangible cultural heritage.

篆刻

篆刻是书法和镌刻结合来制作印章的一种中国的传统艺术形式，至今已有3000多年的历史。秦汉时期，玺印成为权力和身份的象征，相传秦代丞相李斯（？—前208）曾奉秦始皇之命，用和氏璧镌刻传国玉玺，作为中国历代正统皇帝的凭证。后来，篆刻的发展逐渐大众化，被更广泛地用作署名和收藏。时至今日，篆刻依旧流行，如2008年北京奥运会会徽就是一枚古香古色的印章图案。

篆刻是工匠精神与中华古典美学的结合，它将刀和笔结合，将汉字的千姿百态在方寸之间展现得淋漓尽致。篆刻以磅礴大气的书法、赏心悦目的构图、流畅细腻的雕刻，传递出传统艺术的独特韵味，不仅是中华民族的文化瑰宝，也是世界非物质文化遗产中的璀璨明珠。