Zhao Guni Yinshu

Author: Changshu Museum Editorial
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-04-01
Features: Seal carving, which was initially speculated to be practical seals made by craftsmen during the Shang Dynasty, gradually evolved into a transitional form involving the division of labor between seal engraving and stone carving. It was not until the Song and Yuan dynasties that it truly became an art form for literati to express their sentiments. The theoretical writings on seal carving that emerged after the Song Dynasty can serve as a marker to acknowledge and confirm its eventual independence and maturity, developing into a unique gem in the garden of traditional Chinese cultural arts. In modern seal carving circles, alongside the few outstanding figures such as Wu Changshuo of Anji, Zhejiang, Qi Baishi of Xiangtan, Hunan, and Huang Mufu of Anqing, Anhui, the most revered master is the celebrated Yue Guni of Changshu, a blessed land in the Jiangnan region.
Zhao Guni (1874–1933), known as Zhao Shi, styled Shi Nong, and also called Guni, Huizeng, and Nidao Ren, was born into poverty but achieved success through hard study. All his knowledge in seal carving, calligraphy, painting, and literary works was a precious accumulation gained over decades of diligent study and exploration alongside his daily work. Second, he followed a proper path of learning, benefiting greatly from the guidance and mentorship of masters such as Wu Changshuo and Wang Tongsu. Third, he possessed the ability to innovate and transform. Fourth, he had superior natural talent. Fifth, he had excellent personal character. Zhao Shifeng's calligraphy and seal carving were renowned as "Songchan Calligraphy and Kufei Seal Carving."
In the past, due to the lack of media promotion, his disciple Zheng Sanmu played a significant role in disseminating his art. Seal carving, which was initially speculated to be practical seals made by craftsmen during the Shang Dynasty, gradually evolved into a transitional form involving the division of labor between seal engraving and stone carving. It was not until the Song and Yuan dynasties that it truly became an art form for literati to express their sentiments. The theoretical writings on seal carving that emerged after the Song Dynasty can serve as a marker to acknowledge and confirm its eventual independence and maturity, developing into a unique gem in the garden of traditional Chinese cultural arts. In modern seal carving circles, alongside the few outstanding figures such as Wu Changshuo of Anji, Zhejiang, Qi Baishi of Xiangtan, Hunan, and Huang Mufu of Anqing, Anhui, the most revered master is the celebrated Yue Guni of Changshu, a blessed land in the Jiangnan region.
Zhao Guni (1874–1933), known as Zhao Shi, styled Shi Nong, and also called Guni, Huizeng, and Nidao Ren, was born into poverty but achieved success through hard study. All his knowledge in seal carving, calligraphy, painting, and literary works was a precious accumulation gained over decades of diligent study and exploration alongside his daily work. Second, he followed a proper path of learning, benefiting greatly from the guidance and mentorship of masters such as Wu Changshuo and Wang Tongsu. Third, he possessed the ability to innovate and transform. Fourth, he had superior natural talent. Fifth, he had excellent personal character. Zhao Shifeng's calligraphy and seal carving were renowned as "Songchan Calligraphy and Kufei Seal Carving."
In the past, due to the lack of media promotion, his disciple Zheng Sanmu played a significant role in disseminating his art.