Within a small space, see the world

Author: Chen Genyuan, Yang Bing
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1998-07-01
Features: With a history of over 4,000 years, the Chinese seal has been closely tied to the ancient hierarchical society from the very beginning. Throughout its long history of use and evolution, it has acted like a kaleidoscope, reflecting all aspects of ancient Chinese society—political, economic, military, and cultural. Since the Yuan and Ming dynasties, the seal has evolved from its purely practical function into a form of art known as seal carving. Seal carvers, with their skillful hands, have created waves in a cup of water, maneuvering effortlessly within the limited space. In the tiny square inch, they have vividly expressed the interplay of accumulation and sharpness, yielding and flexibility, rigidity and suppleness, clumsiness and ingenuity, straightness and curvature, and squareness and roundness. They have infused it with the unique philosophy and ingenuity of the Chinese people.
Facing the, each no larger than a square inch and no bigger than a fist, we are as if confronting a vast and dazzling world of profound meaning—a winding river of history shimmering with light. "Within a square inch, an endless universe," this is precisely the charm of ancient Chinese seals and seal carving. It exerts an objective, magnet-like attraction, drawing us to trace its origins and appreciate its magnificent beauty.