Characteristics of Seal Script

Characteristics of Seal Script include ancient origin, smooth lines, rigorous structure and rounded font.

I. Ancient origin and smooth lines

Seal script originated from the oracle bone inscriptions and gold inscriptions, and is one of the oldest scripts in China. After thousands of years of evolution, it became the official script of the Qin Dynasty and had a profound influence on the development of later styles of writing. The lines of Seal Script are simple, natural, and in a single stroke, presenting a unique sense of flow. The lines are uniformly thick and thin, graceful and free, displaying an ancient and elegant aesthetic.

Secondly, the structure of the seal script is rigorous and the font is rounded

The structure of the seal script emphasizes balance, symmetry and echoing, giving people a sense of stability and harmony. Most of the characters are square or rectangular in structure, neatly arranged, with a high degree of regularity and order. The strokes of Seal Script are rounded and full, with no obvious turns or angles, making them appear soft and flexible. A calm and elegant aesthetic character is expressed through the rounded lines.

Comparison of Seal Script with Other Scripts and Its Contemporary Application

I. Comparison of Seal Script with Other Scripts

Seal Script is significantly different from other scripts in terms of style and characteristics. Compared with the Official Script, the Seal Script is more ancient and its lines and structures are simpler and more natural. Clerical Script, on the other hand, emphasizes more on squareness and the characters are mostly flat and square in shape.

The Regular Script is more standardized and rigorous, emphasizing the rise and fall of strokes, and presenting a dignified aesthetic. Running Script and Cursive Script are more fluid and spontaneous, emphasizing the flow of strokes and the coherence of chi.

In the art of calligraphy, various styles of writing have their own distinctive characteristics. The ancient simplicity and elegance of Seal Script, the heaviness and dignity of Official Script, the standardization and neatness of Regular Script, the smoothness and naturalness of Running Script, and the unrestrainedness of Cursive Script all show their unique artistic charms. By comparing the various styles of calligraphy, we can have a deeper understanding of the uniqueness of seal script and its important position in the art of calligraphy.

II. Seal Script in Contemporary Application

Although seal script is less used in modern daily writing, it still occupies an important position in the field of calligraphic art. Many calligraphers and enthusiasts have gained a deeper understanding of traditional Chinese culture and artistic spirit through studying and researching seal script. It is not only embodied in the art of calligraphy, graphic design, sculpture production and cultural heritage, but also has been used in the commercial field.