Sgraffito
15 March 2017 No Comments
One kind of decoration often seen on the sides of Chinese seals is a scratched design called sgraffito.
My random notes on Chinese-style seal carving.
Talking Seals
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Hard White Erasers
1 March 2017 No Comments
The Japanese sometimes cut seal designs into the end of a hard white eraser.
No Second Chances
15 February 2017 No Comments
Chinese calligraphy must be done all at once, with no corrections or reworking.
Which is Easier?
1 February 2017 No Comments
People often assume it’s easier to cut a seal with fewer characters rather than one with more characters.
Collecting Seal Stones
15 December 2016 No Comments
Some collectors enjoy seals because of their stones.
Rough Hands
15 November 2016 No Comments
If someone says they carve seals, look at their hands.
Right or Left Hand?
1 November 2016 No Comments
Are you right or left handed? It wouldn’t have mattered in old China.
Shallow Relief
15 September 2016 No Comments
Seal stones will sometimes come decorated on their sides with shallow relief carving.
Try a Little Color
1 August 2016 No Comments
Most carvers will sign their name on the side of a finished seal. Depending on the color of the stone you may want to fill in these lines with paint.
Try Gouache
1 July 2016 No Comments
Try using some red and white paint—gouache works well for this as it dries quickly and is water soluble—to experiment with seal modifications.
Seal Ink Container
15 June 2016 1 Comment
Store your seal ink in a non-porous container.
