Round Zhu Wen Seal Essence

Author: Le Yi
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-10-01
Features: Round Zhuwen, also known as "Yuan Zhuwen," originally referred to the Zhuwen seals of the Yuan Dynasty, which were pioneered by Zhao Mengfu in the Yuan Dynasty to engrave fine Zhuwen with small seal script (Li Si's small seal script). Later, "Yuan" was changed to "Round" because the small seal script evolved into a round and flowing style, influenced by the fine Zhuwen seals of the Qin and Han dynasties. Thus, a specific name was established to denote this type of seal script, exclusively referring to this category of seals. In Chen Lian's "Seal Theory," it is said: "Round Zhuwen, Yuan Zhao Songxue favored this style, with its round and graceful script, hence the name 'Round Zhuwen.' It should be full of spirit and flow, like the wind of the Spring Festival, turning like clouds emerging from the mountains." Ding Jing called Yuan Zhuwen "Huan Zhuwen." Whether called "Round Zhuwen" or "Huan Zhuwen," it was named based on its visual characteristics, defining a new seal script style that surpassed the limitations of its original era and allowed for further development. Yuan Zhuwen, also known as Round Zhuwen, represents a development in Chinese seal carving art after the Qin Dynasty. The "square and upright" style of the Qin and Han seals used white as the primary color. After the Qin and Han dynasties, the use of seals changed, with Zhuwen becoming the main style. The script used in seals tended to follow the pure small seal script method as described in the "Shuowen Jiezi." By the Yuan Dynasty, Wu Qiu Yan and Zhao Mengfu formally established the prototype of the Yuan Zhuwen seal style. To this day, Chen Julai stands out as a master of this art. Yuan Zhuwen seals are characterized by balanced arrangements, "straight and fine craftsmanship," and "elegant, quiet, and smooth," making them the preferred choice for collecting, appreciating, and using seals, and they are widely loved by people. This book collects 422 Yuan Zhuwen seals from various dynasties, providing a detailed and comprehensive display of the development, maturation, and contemporary exploration of Yuan Zhuwen seals.