Appreciation of the Fine Art of Seal Carving by Wu Changshuo

Author: Wang Xingyan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-08-01
Features: Wu Junqing (1844–1927), originally named Jun, initially used the character Xiangbu, later changed his middle name to Changshuo in middle age. After the founding of the Republic of China, he used his courtesy name or signed as Cangshuo, Cangshi, or Bao Loo. His other aliases include Fu Loo, Lao Fu, Fu Dao Ren, Kui Tie, Po He, Da Nong, Suan Han Wei, Wu Jing Ting Zhang, and Wu Hu Yin Mang. He was from Anji, Zhejiang. He was the last outstanding great artist of the late Qing Dynasty. In poetry, calligraphy, painting, and seal carving, he surpassed both ancient and modern masters, establishing his own unique style with exceptional achievements. His influence and legacy continue to this day. During his youth, he experienced extreme hardship and hunger but never stopped pursuing art. Although he served as the magistrate of An’tung (Lianshui, Jiangsu) at the age of fifty-five, he resigned just a month later. His seal carving began with the Zhe School style and was later influenced by Deng Shiru, Wu Rangzhi, and Zhao Ziqian. He traced back to the Qin and Han dynasty seal prints, particularly excelling in creating stone drums with a vigorous and expressive style. He incorporated calligraphy, painting, and seal carving by blending various scripts, such as those found in seal impressions, bricks, tiles, and steles. In seal carving, he transformed the techniques of Qian Song and Wu Rangzhi into a new style—using blunt blades to strike hard into the stone—giving his creations a unique ancient, robust, and vigorous aura, distinct from any previous masters. He was indeed a great artist who could absorb the essence of the past while creating something entirely new. His published collections of seals include Xue Gu Lou Yin Cun, Fu Lou Yin Cun, and Wu Changshuo Yin Pu.