Wu Changshuo Seal Collection

Author: None
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Publish Date: 2007-01-01
Features: Wu Changshuo (1844—1927), a native of Anji, Zhejiang, was initially named Jun, later changed to Junqing, styled Xiangbu and Xiangpu in his youth, and later styled Cangshi, Changshuo, Changshi, and Cangshuo in middle age. He adopted the name Fu (Cao Studio) and FuDao (Cao Path) after receiving an ancient cask from a friend, and his other aliases include PuChao, KuTie, PoHeTingZhang, WuHu YinGai, and after the age of 70, he signed DaNong. During the late Qing Dynasty, many renowned seal carvers emerged, reviving the art of seal carving to a peak following the Han Dynasty. Wu Changshuo, a master of both calligraphy and painting, was one of the most influential seal carvers of that era. He devoted approximately 60 years to the art of seal carving, and his style evolved through various stages, ultimately achieving remarkable artistic success.
Wu Changshuo's early works primarily drew inspiration from predecessors, once favoring the Zhe School's cutting technique to express a sense of "stumbling" and "naivety." He later studied from Deng Shiru, Wu Rangzhi, and Zhao Ziqian, incorporating the rounded, vigorous characteristics of Deng's seals, the briskness of Wu's cutting, and Zhao's layout techniques. For example, his works from the ages of 31 to 35, such as "Riding a Shrimp," "Wuling Man," and "Xitao's Seal," serve as excellent testaments to this. Learning from schools and masters involves mastering a range of artistic techniques. With his unique artistic personality, Wu Changshuo did not rely on others' wings, thus while inheriting the essence of predecessors, he began directly studying ancient and Han seals, continuously integrating the aesthetics of (metal inscriptions and stone steles) and (seal impressions) from generations past. As a result, his style underwent significant transformations.
Throughout his life, Wu Changshuo extensively copied famous steles and inscriptions from past dynasties, dedicating considerable effort to the reproduction of "Shigudwen" (Seal Script on Stone Drums). This gave his works a bold yet refined quality, achieving an artistic realm where strength and gentleness coexist, and familiarity harmonizes with vitality. Additionally, he boldly innovated by incorporating forms into his seals, using dull-edged round-handled chisels, distorting the shapes of seal characters, and skillfully blending calligraphic styles from different eras. Consequently, his works naturally distinguished themselves from predecessors, forging a unique style.
Wu Changshuo's seal carving art pioneered a new era for the field. Even during his lifetime, his influence swept across the land, inspiring many seal carvers to imitate or seek his tutelage. Modern renowned seal carvers such as Zhao Guni, Chen Shicheng, and Xu Xinzhou were all his disciples. Even today, numerous seal carvers follow his tradition. Wu Changshuo's status in the history of Chinese seal carving is widely recognized, and his works are treasures within the nation's cultural heritage.
In his lifetime, Wu Changshuo left behind over a thousand masterpieces, generally characterized as "thick, rustic, and simple," yet each reveals distinct artistic intentions. Here, over 800 pieces have been selected, with some edge inscriptions provided and broadly categorized, for the appreciation of interested readers and scholars.