Wu Changshuo's Seal Carving and Its Composition

Author: Liu Jiang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2000-02-01
Features:
1. A Brief Discussion on the Composition of Wu Changshuo's Seal Engraving
2. Basic Principles of Composition
(1) Even but Not Monotonous
1. Subtlety within Evenness
2. Breaking Monotony
3. Adjusting Shapes and Blocks
4. Balancing Solid and Empty
5. Allowing Space to Flow
6. Natural Density and Sparsity
(2) Unusual but Not Strange
1. Long and Short Combinations
2. Opening and Closing in Harmony
3. Corresponding Light and Heavy
4. Contrast of Hard and Soft
5. Symmetrical but Unequal
6. Interweaving for Interest
(3) Responsive and Emotional
1. Upper and Lower Correspondence
2. Left and Right Responsiveness
3. Mutual Response in Pairs
4. Multi-Point Reflection
5. Host and Guest Unity
6. Curved and Straight Balance
(4) Opposition and Unity
1. Large and Small Interaction
2. Light and Heavy Balance
3. Long and Short Alternation
4. Square and Round Harmony
5. Leaning and Upright Generation
6. Density and Sparsity Contrast
(5) Skillful Use of Imperfections
1. Enhancing Momentum
2. Strengthening Rhythm
3. Transforming Rigidity into Vitality
4. Boosting Spirit and Energy
5. Adding Void to Aid
6. Adjusting Rhythm
(6) Avoiding Repetition
1. Layout Variation
2. Character Variation
3. Script Variation
4. Diverse Interests
5. Border and Grid Transformation
6. Heavy and Light Symbols
3. Composition and Borders
(1) Functions of Borders in Composition
1. Overall Unity
2. Main and Secondary Distinction
3. Complementarity and Generation
4. Balanced Force
5. Enhancing Momentum
6. Contrast of Surface Interest
(2) Unity of Borders and Composition
1. Continuous Flow of Qi
2. Proper Expansion and Contraction
3. Courteous Give-and-Take
4. Solid and Empty Balance
5. Contrast of Interest
6. Variation and Unity
(3) Common Techniques of Borders in Composition
1. Appropriate Combination and Separation
2. Balanced Addition and Subtraction
4. Composition and Script
5. Composition and Character Structure
6. Composition and Brushwork
7. Composition and Seal Shape
Afterword