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\tThe art of seal engraving<\/strong> is a cornerstone<\/strong> of Chinese fine arts. The seal was originally<\/strong> 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<\/strong> a century ago, preserves <\/strong>the art of seal engraving along with approximately a hundred other specialized<\/strong> institutions.<\/p>\n \tThe design is first sketched<\/strong> 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 <\/strong>and culture.<\/p>\n \tAs an instrument<\/strong> of calligraphy<\/strong> 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<\/strong>. Even though those understanding the complex characters are ever fewer, the art of seal engraving is still practised by both professionals and amateurs.<\/p>\n \tWords:
\t<\/strong>\u7bc6\u523b