Chinese seal engraving

Chinese seal engraving, called zhuànkè (篆刻), is a traditional art dating back over two thousand years. Combining calligraphy, sculpture, and symbolic aesthetics, it occupies a unique place in Chinese culture. Much more than a simple identification tool, the seal has become a work of art in its own right, used by emperors, scholars, artists, and even today by lovers of Asian culture.

The word 篆 (zhuàn) refers to seal writing, an ancient style of Chinese calligraphy, and 刻 (kè) means "to engrave." Thus, seal engraving is the art of carving Chinese characters in seal writing on stone, wood, bone, or even jade.

Traditionally, seals were used to sign official documents, mark paintings, or seal private letters. Today, they are valued as artistic and symbolic objects, embodying both personal identity and cultural depth.

Seals can be made on different supports, but the most common are:

• The seal stone (印石, yìnshí): soft and easy to carve, it is very popular.

• Jade (玉, yù): precious and noble, reserved for exceptional pieces.

• Wood or ivory: rarer today, but used in history.

Each material brings a particular texture and aesthetic to the seal.

Making a seal requires precision and patience. Here are the essential steps:

The artist selects the characters to be engraved, often a name, a motto, a short poem, or a symbol. The seal style (篆书, zhuànshū) is favored for its elegance and legibility.

The artist sketches the design on paper, maintaining a balance between lines and empty space. This is a crucial step, as visual harmony is paramount in seal art.

The design is reproduced on the surface of the stone in red or black ink, serving as a guide for the engraving.

Using small chisels and burins, the artist patiently sculpts the stone. There are two main techniques:

• Yinwen (阴文): the lines are carved into the stone, the ink will fill the cavities.

• Yangwen (阳文): the characters are in relief, the background is hollowed out.

After a first impression on paper, the artist adjusts the details to obtain a perfect rendering.

The seal is polished and ready to be used with special red ink (朱砂, zhūshā).

In Chinese culture, owning a personal seal is much more than an administrative act: it is a mark of identity and refinement. For painters and calligraphers, the red imprint of a seal completes the work by bringing balance and symbolism. Each seal tells a story, reflects the personality of its owner, and embodies a deep connection to Chinese history and philosophy.

Your personalized Chinese seal