From ancient times to the present, both literati, scholars, and emperors, generals, and ministers have loved seals. The culture of seals has also been passed down for thousands of years, becoming inseparable partners in our lives and work.
Nowadays, there are many seals on the market, so how do we choose a practical and satisfactory seal? Next, the editor will explain the standards for measuring a good seal from six aspects.
material quality
The materials of the seal are very rich, almost including gold, silver, copper, iron, teeth, wood, jade, stone, horns, and even modern glass.
For example, the gold seal is often difficult to obtain due to its immense value, while the copper seal is more fraudulent and difficult to distinguish between authenticity; In addition, ordinary materials such as wood prints, corner prints, and glass prints are also easy to counterfeit.
colour and lustre
Color is crucial, for example, the four major Chinese seal stones - Qingtian Stone, Balin Stone, Shoushan Stone, and Chang Fossil Stone - have attracted the attention of the world due to their dazzling and colorful colors. Color can add to the beauty of high-quality seal stones.
From these stone seals, one can also determine the way to determine the color of the seal. Generally, the purer and cleaner the color, the better. The purer and stronger the color, the more exciting it is.
condition
The Shoushan stone seal is very particular about its appearance. The edges are undamaged, and the character and graphics must be clear. Having a missing seal will inevitably result in a significant discount in value.
The gloss and smooth appearance, as well as the even and smooth feel, are important symbols for appreciating Shoushan stone seals. In addition, the value of inherited seals is generally higher than that of unearthed seals.
personality
No leaf in the world is the same, each leaf has its own personality, and the same goes for seals. From the perspective of appearance and posture, some are dazzling, some stand out, some stand still, and their distinct personalities also make people marvel at the magic of creation.
Seal collectors can choose seals with the same personality as themselves according to their preferences.
品相
story
Each seal has its own story, and each story also has certain life inspirations and principles. For example, the story of Zheng Banqiao and his seal can help us understand his life trajectory and artstic pursuits, as well as disicover his ideological aspirations and even his basic attitude towards life.
However, some seals may also represent friendship and memories; Or perhaps it just silently accompanies your growth, accumulating charm in the long years... Perhaps it is ordinary and insignificant in the eyes of others, but in your eyes, it is priceless.
品相相carver
Carving is a skill, and good carving radiates all the vitality of chapter life. It was also a work carved by renowned sculptors for a long time.
For example, in the Ming Dynasty, seals were mainly made of plain seals, and there were occasional buttons carved, but there were never elaborate or intricate ones. As for Bo Yi, mature techniques were only formed after the late Qing Dynasty, with obvious characteristics of the times. But the exquisite carving techniques of these masters themselves have high artistic and collectible value.
