A Brief Discussion on Wang Guan's Seal Carving

Abstract

As an outstanding seal engraver of the late Ming Dynasty, Wang Guans seal script was characterized by rigorous technique and
bold chisel strokes, while his composition, though meticulously structured, exuded artistic flair. Drawing inspiration from a vast collection of
ancient Qin and Han dynasty seals, Wang Guan absorbed and adapted their essence to forge his distinctive seal engraving style. Through his
practice, he affirmed the crucial principle of "seal engraving following the Qin and Han traditions, " first proposed by Wu Qiu Yan and Zhao
Mengfu of the Yuan Dynasty.
??His carving technique was robust and upright, while his composition remained meticulous yet dynamic, pioneering a new, refined elegance distinct from He Zhens style. This study explores three key aspects: Wang Guans life, the factors shaping his seal carving style, and
the artistic characteristics of his seals. It aims to comprehensively showcase the unique charm and value of Wang Guans seal carving artistry,
providing valuable reference for in-depth research into the history of Chinese seal carving.