The seal played an anti-counterfeiting role in identifying the author of ancient documents, calligraphy and paintings, and is now indispensable in calligraphy creation. It not only prevents identity from being counterfeited, but also represents level, style and credibility.


If a calligraphy work is not stamped, its value will be greatly reduced.


1. According to function 

Divided according to function and use, there must be at least three parts: name stamp, fasting number stamp, and introduction stamp. The introduction is as follows.

1. Name stamp


There is usually one name stamp. If there is a slight change, the name stamp can be divided into "surname stamp" and "name stamp". The two are the same size and match the vermilion and white. If they are used together, they are called "dual stamps", which are more visually appealing. Rich and interesting.




2. Zhaihaozhang


"Zhao Haozhang" usually uses elegant names such as Zhai, Tang, Shi, Lou, Pavilion, Pavilion, Xuan, etc., with at least one party, and as many as several or even more.



3. Introduction to the chapter


The introductory chapter is mostly rectangular, but also semi-circular, rectangular, round, semi-circular, gourd-shaped, etc. According to the needs of the picture, it is used on the right side of the first two or three characters of the title, so it is called the first chapter.


For example, if the weight of the tail seal is too heavy and needs to be "improved", or the distribution of seals on the work is monotonous and needs to be "adjusted", a first seal should be considered.



2. According to content 


In calligraphy creation, seals are used in a wide range of ways and require a large amount, which is inconvenient to carry. Therefore, seal artifacts such as "brass multi-sided seals" came into being. They have been passed down from ancient times to the present and are very practical.

Below we will appreciate the multi-sided seals and discuss the usage of the seals. If you want to enrich the composition, literary style, and epigraphic style of your work, you can add the following seals according to usage.

1. Xian Zhang


Most of them are famous quotes or personal reflections, which are often used to fill in the blanks, "break the shape" and adjust the balance. The number of this chapter does not matter, it can range from a few square meters to dozens or even hundreds of square meters.


2. Portrait seal


That is, seals with pictures but no words. In ancient times, they were mostly birds, animals, insects and fish. Nowadays, they are often engraved with zodiac signs.




3. Buddha statue seal


It is originally a portrait, but its connotation has gone far beyond the "portrait shape" and has various forms. The conception and creation are constantly being renovated. It has always been loved by calligraphers, and the number is uncertain.



4. Wadang seal


A highly artistically decorative seal, the content often contains auspicious words such as "good intentions to prolong life", "immortality" and other auspicious words. The animals are mostly green dragon, white tiger, red bird, Xuanwu, etc., which are also commonly used by calligraphers.


5. Year seal


That is, indicate the year when the work was created, such as Jiazi, Yiwei, Bingshen, etc. There are also "moon number seals", which are generally used to record the monthly orders of works, such as Shangchun, Ruyue, Silkworm Moon, etc. Relatively less used.


6. Border seal


It is usually covered on one side of the work to block the edge and gather energy, such as "Yixin Caotang Ink Mark", "Ginkgo Studio Ink Mark", etc., which are relatively rarely used.

7. Stop the waist seal


It is mostly used for banners or long scroll works. If there is only one initial seal in the front, the middle will be empty. In this case, a waist seal can be added. The waist seal can be stamped repeatedly from top to bottom, but it should be stamped in a straight line.

8. Pressed corner seal


It is generally placed on the corners of the work to block the corners, fill the void and stabilize the picture. It should be used with caution.


As far as the number of seals is concerned, more is better and easier to use. For this reason, some calligraphers have more than hundreds of seals.

Of course, the appropriate number of seals does not mean too many seals, but it needs to show "thick accumulation and hard work". It is best to match the quantity appropriately.


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