An Afternoon Finding Inspiration in Seal Engraving
This year we had a focussed group of participants putting all their energy into seal engraving at our afternoon Japanese Tenkoku stamp making workshop. Employing traditional materials and techniques that Blair learned over the years from senseis in Japan, the group was able to get the feel of the fundamental methods to carve their individual stamp. They then enjoyed the enthralling stage of stamping their inei 印影 stamp impression on calligraphy paper.
There were various choices of kanji made by the participants, as well as katakana and also purely visual designs, some complex and others of a single character. Blair helped each participant where needed to create their design, primarily using tensho and inten stamp making styles, with some choosing names and personal interests, as well as guiding the transfer of the designs onto the pyrophyllite stones.
Blair gave demonstrations of carving and stamping, as well as outlined the history of Tenkoku 篆刻, and detailed examples of physical calligraphy and artworks using stamps, such as in the rakkan 落款signature and seal area. We also looked at different sizes of intricately carved Japanese stamps to open up a deeper understanding of the process.
It was great to see the participants busily working on their designs on paper and then stone seals, and we thank them for their earnest participation and hope they enjoy using their newly carved seals in future!
