Engraving · A Unique Chinese Art

Author: Deng Sanmu
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-09-01
Features: "Seal Carving Studies" is the posthumous work of the renowned seal carver and calligrapher Deng Sanmu (1898–1963). He dedicated his life to the art of seal carving and calligraphy, and this book presents his insights and experiences summarized from decades of practice. The text discusses and introduces the origins of seals, various schools of seal carving, composition, and cutting techniques, providing detailed yet concise explanations. It particularly offers unique perspectives on the analysis of composition. Moreover, the book is richly illustrated with illustrations and exhibits elegant calligraphy, making it not only a specialized treatise on seal carving theory and techniques but also a valuable model for practicing seal carving and calligraphy. Seal Carving Studies was initially Deng Sanmu’s lecture notes from the 1930s, which were revised and expanded over time to become the manuscript we see today. This book is a culmination of his lifelong experience in seal carving and is an authoritative work indispensable for studying the art of seal carving. The original lecture notes were written in Yan-style regular script. To accommodate modern readers while preserving the original style, we have added a horizontally printed version, which accompanies the facsimile edition, hoping to be of assistance to readers.