Wu Rangzhi Seal Collection

Author: Li Zao, Editor-in-Chief
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 1998-05-01
Features: Wu Rangzhi (1799–1870), native of Yixing (now Yangzhou, Jiangsu), originally named Tingyang, styled Xizai, later used Xizai as his name and Rang (yielding) as his style, eventually went by his style name, styled Wanxue Jushi. He was a disciple of Bao Shichen and renowned for calligraphy and seal carving. His calligraphy and seal carving followed Deng Shiru, with his seal script being elegant and varied, and the same for his seal carving. Throughout his life, he devoted particular effort to seal carving, using the knife swiftly, with profound skill, and a style that was round and flowing. He inherited Deng Shiru while adding a light and refreshing touch, forming a unique style. Wu Changshuo inscribed on this collection of seals: "Letting Grandfather (Rangzhi) had always admired Wanbai (Deng Shiru) throughout his life, and deeply explored the Qin and Han seals, hence his knife technique was round and flowing, without the habit of being overly delicate, his style was majestic and brisk, substantial yet not rigid. I once told others, 'Learning from Wanbai is better than following Rangzhi.' This shows his high regard. This collection is a treasure of our publishing house, with the seals hand-carved by Wei Jiasun. Wei was a collector of inscriptions and texts, skilled in identification, and particularly fond of compiling collections of famous seals. Many contemporary masters were friends with him, and he collected seals by Zhao Zhiqian and Wu Rangzhi with great dedication. Most of the seals in this collection were personally used by Wu Rangzhi, with exquisite craftsmanship and unparalleled beauty. It features an inscription by Zhao Zhiqian at the beginning and postscripts by Wei Xicheng, Wu Changshuo, Zhao Shurong, Huang Binhong, Wang Fudan, Luo Zhenyu, Sha Menghai, and others. All are published as per the original in this photolithographic edition.