The Chinese art of seal cutting

Founded in 1904, the 30th year during the reign of Emperor Guangxu of the Qing dynasty (1616-1911), the Xiling Seal Art Society is China’s first professional academic society dedicated to stone seal engraving. With a mission of “preserving stones, focusing on seal studies, and integrating calligraphy and painting”, it is the oldest and the most influential seal engraving association around the world. The extensive achievements the society has accomplished since its establishment has earned it the reputation of being “the Research Center of Seal Studies” and “the No. 1 Society under Heaven”. Members of the society are all masters in the fields of stone engraving, calligraphy and painting, art appraisal, archeology, literature and history. A members’ conference is called every spring and autumn for art exhibitions, academic seminars as well as other academic exchange activities. In a modern context, the society still retains its traditional organization and temperament.

Liu Jiang, executive president of the Xiling Seal Art Society, is an inheritor of the “Chinese seal cutting”, also known as seal engraving, a unique carving art included in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

“A successful artist is also a thinker. It is an artist’s duty to speak for art.” Liu Jiang believes that art is first of all a carrier of culture, and he exudes the charm of an artistic personality. For decades, Liu has always regarded the importance of tradition, the respect for predecessors and the sincerity to colleagues as a cultural responsibility. His works of different periods are reflections of his perception of each era. During the War of Resistance against Japan, his seal cutting works expressed the indomitable strong will of the Chinese nation and the firm belief of victory. At the beginning of the reform and opening up, his Rejuvenating China, a huge seal, was a true portrayal of the public’s enthusiasm. In 1988, when Hangzhou was hit by a severe typhoon, he created Taming the Dragon to pray for safety and prosperity. In accordance with the belief that “the highest state of art is to let art return to the people”, in 2009, Liu Jiang donated 100 pieces of square seals to the Xiling Seal Art Society for permanent collection.

The function of seals has evolved from the original credit voucher to become a unique cultural and artistic symbol of the Chinese nation.“Seal cutting is a unique art with special cultural purposes. I practice it to not only exercise my brain, but also to express my feelings, what I see and hear, as well as my aspirations, and above all to disseminate traditional Chinese culture,” said Liu Jiang.  

Editor:Huang Yan