Origin of seal cutting:
The art of seal cutting is the art of combining calligraphy (mainly seal script) and engraving (including chiseling and casting) to make seals. It is a unique art form of Chinese characters. Seal cutting arose in the pre-Qin Dynasty, flourished in the Han Dynasty, declined in the Jin Dynasty, failed in the Tang and Song Dynasties, revived in the Ming Dynasty, and flourished in the Qing Dynasty. It has a history of more than 3,700 years. Seal cutting has gone through more than ten dynasties in its long history of more than 3,700 years since its origin. In this long-term development process, the art of seal cutting has experienced two highly developed historical stages.
One is the Warring States, Qin, Han, Wei, Jin and Six Dynasties periods. The seal cutting materials during this period were mainly jade, gold, teeth, horns, etc. It is called the ancient seal cutting art period, and its seal cutting art characteristics are mainly divided by era. When seal cutting developed into the Tang, Song, and Yuan dynasties, it was in a period of decline. During this period, due to the scarcity of seals, they could only be collected.
In the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD), seal cutting entered a new period of development. Wen Peng and He Zhen played a major role in the creation of the genre of seal cutting art. Wen Peng is the son of Wen Zhengming. It was by chance that he discovered that light steatite can be used as a sealing material. After his advocacy and the support of his colleagues, frozen stone was widely adopted.
Uses of seal cutting:
1. Voucher function: Seal can be used as a voucher to prove personal identity or power. It usually represents political identity and rights granted or exercised. This evidential role was particularly significant in ancient times.
2. Artistic expression: Seal cutting is a unique art form. Through seal cutting, calligraphy, sculpture, painting and other art forms can be integrated. Seal cutting works can exist independently as a kind of art for people to appreciate. At the same time, they can also be used as embellishments and decorations for calligraphy and painting works to enhance the artistic charm of the works.
3. Gifts: Seal cutting works, especially those by famous masters, are often used as gifts for relatives, friends or important partners. This not only reflects the cultural accomplishment and artistic taste of the gift giver, but also A sign of respect and respect for the recipient.
4. Collection investment: Seal cutting works, especially works by famous artists in history, have high collection value and investment value. These pieces tend to increase in value over time.