The Cultural Meaning and Artistic Value of Seal Materials: The Spirit and Beauty of Seal Carving
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Introduction
"Seal material" is the stone used to create seals, but it is also much more than that.
More than just tools, seal materials have deep cultural meaning and artistic value in calligraphy and Eastern art.
This article will introduce how seal materials are rooted in history and culture, and how they have come to be valued as an art form. This article will help even those who have just begun learning seal carving to rediscover the charm of seal materials.
The connection between seal materials and Eastern culture
Seal culture began in ancient China and spread to Japan, Korea, and other parts of East Asia. During this time, seals were no longer merely practical tools, but also developed as symbols of status, authority, individuality, and beauty.
For example, the Chinese imperial seal, the "imperial seal," was considered a symbol of state power, and there were strict regulations regarding the materials used and the content of the engraving.
Personal seals also play an important role in enhancing the perfection of a calligraphy work and conveying the artist's spirit and aesthetic sense.
The "spirituality" embodied in seal materials
1. The unity of seal carving and calligraphy
When a seal is applied to a piece of calligraphy, it takes on a level of perfection, as if it were coming to life. The harmony between the flow of the characters and the composition of the seal creates a balanced "ki" (spirit) for the entire piece.
The seal material supports the "impression" and for calligraphers and seal engravers, it is also a "vessel" that houses the spirit and art.
2. Seal materials as a form of self-expression
Not only the inscription on the seal, but also the shape, color, and pattern of the seal material itself are elements that express the personality of the maker and user.
・Prefers calm Aota stone → A calm aesthetic sense
・Prefers vivid chicken blood stone → artistic passion and assertiveness
In this way, a person's aesthetic sense is revealed by the type of seal material they choose.
The artistic value of seal materials
1. Perfection as a sculpture
Seals are sometimes appreciated as small "sculptural works."Seal carving is an art that condenses the techniques of calligraphy, such as the strength of the lines, balance, and use of space.
The following points in particular enhance artistic quality:
・How to use calligraphy styles (seal script, old seal style, etc.)
- Rhythm and balance of engraved lines
・Combination of red and white characters
・Beautiful composition and a sense of white space
2. The beauty of the seal material itself
The material used for seals is itself appreciated as a work of art. Its beautiful patterns, colors, and pleasant texture have long been prized as the "beauty of stone."
Rare stones such as Tianhuang stone, chicken blood stone, and hibiscus stone are collected as decorative seal materials and are even displayed at calligraphy exhibitions and art museums.
Passing on culture through seal materials
Seal materials and seal carving are more than just hobbies or skills; they are a cultural heritage in themselves.
Use in educational settings
Currently, seal carving experiences are increasingly being offered as part of arts education in Japan and China. The experience of picking up a seal and carving your own name is the first step in deepening understanding of traditional culture.
Cultural dissemination overseas
In recent years, seal carving culture has spread to calligraphy and seal enthusiasts overseas, and demand for seal materials is growing internationally. Through platforms such as Shopify, it is now possible to deliver seal materials all over the world.
The "time and tranquility" that seal materials give us
In today's society, speed and efficiency are highly valued, but the time spent facing the stamp material and carving a line is also a precious opportunity to reflect on oneself.
・Select a stone
・Considering the seal inscription
・Carving lines
・Put on vermilion ink and press
Within this flow, there is a stillness and concentration that is almost like meditation, and it is here that the spirituality of seal carving resides.
summary
Seal materials go beyond being merely "stones for carving" and have value as expressions of culture, art, and spirit.
In the world of seal carving, which has evolved alongside calligraphy, each seal is imbued with beauty and meaning.
We hope you too will experience the tradition and aesthetic sense through seal materials and create your own world of seal carving art.