Title: Old stone carving seal stamp Chinese square chop
Shipping: $29.00
Artist: N/A
Period: Unassigned
History: N/A
Origin: N/A
Condition: Museum Quality
Item Date: N/A
Item ID: 794
Old stone carving seal stamp Chinese square chop As an art form born out of the combination of calligraphy and carving, Chinese seal cutting is traditionally listed along with painting, calligraphy and poetry as one of the 'four arts' expected of the accomplished scholar and a unique part of the Chinese cultural heritage. The art dates back about 3,700 years to the Yin dynasty and has its origin in the cutting of oracle inscriptions on tortoise shells. A seal in red on a calligraphic work or a painting represents not only a signature, but also an indispensable touch to liven it up.
Link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_Chops
Chinese stamps started in ancient China, during the Qin Dynasty (221-210 B.C). The Chinese stamp carving was originally used as an imperial stamp- a stamp used by the emperor to, in effect, put his stamp of approval on documents. These Chinese stamp carvings were used by only royalty. After this dynasty, another type of stamp developed. These Chinese stamp carvings were used only for non-official use by private individuals as a personalized stamp. During this period Chinese signature stamps became referred to as Boa. During the Ching Dynasty educated people put stamp-prints on their finished works of painting, writing and poetry.
