What is the art form of seal cutting in China?

Seal cutting is a traditional art form in China.

1, seal cutting origin

Seal cutting originated in ancient times, and most seals are printed with seal script, hence the name. It is a combination of calligraphy and seal cutting (including chiseling and casting), and a seal is made by engraving patterns or characters designed on a plane on materials such as metal, stone, teeth and horns.

The origin of seal cutting can be traced back to the record in the Book of Sacrifice in the Han Dynasty: "There have been books since the Five Emperors, but as for the Three Kings, it is vulgar to engrave, and it is only after the fraud and forgery gradually rise that it is sealed to detect traitors." As early as Shang Dynasty, people began to carve characters on tortoise shells with knives. These words are sharp and beautiful, showing superb "lettering" skills.

2. Three methods of seal cutting

(1) seal cutting method

Seal script refers to the rules and principles that seal script must follow, which is consistent with the meaning of six Chinese characters. There are several requirements for the use of seal script: the seal script should be elegant and correct, and the seal script used in printing should be standardized and conform to the six meanings, and should not be forged or misused; The fonts should be uniform. If it is printed on Xiao Zhuan, Da Zhuan, Oracle Bone Inscriptions, Zhenkai and Lishu, it must be its own, and it must not be mixed.

(2) Composition

Composition refers to the layout and design of the printing surface, which determines the overall effect of the seal. Good composition can make the seal look balanced and artistic. Common printing forms are square, rectangle, circle and ellipse.

(3) Knife method

Knife is the most critical part in seal cutting, which refers to the skills and methods of carving characters and patterns on seals with knives. The commonly used knife methods in the process of seal cutting are cutting knife method and punching knife method. The taste of stone and ink in seal cutting and its independent aesthetic value are expressed through fine knife work.

The value of seal cutting to modern society

1, cultural heritage

As an important part of China traditional culture, seal cutting is the witness and carrier of history. By studying and appreciating seal cutting works, people can better understand and inherit China's excellent traditional culture, and enhance their cultural self-confidence and national pride.

2. Art appreciation

Seal cutting works have high artistic value, and its unique artistic form and aesthetic feeling can bring people visual enjoyment and spiritual satisfaction. In the fast-paced modern life, appreciating seal cutting works can make people relax and relieve stress.

3. Aesthetic education

The aesthetic value of seal cutting works is of great significance to modern aesthetic education. Through the appreciation and analysis of seal cutting works, people can better understand the essence and principle of aesthetics and improve their aesthetic ability and artistic accomplishment.

4. Cultural exchange

As one of the representatives of China culture, seal cutting can become an important medium of international cultural exchange. The exhibition and exchange of seal cutting works can promote the understanding and exchange between different cultures and enhance the diversity and inclusiveness of cultures.

5. Psychological adjustment

Seal cutting can meet people's multi-level spiritual needs and make people get spiritual comfort in their busy lives. At the same time, through seal cutting, people can express their feelings, release their pressure and achieve psychological balance and health.