Which tools for seal engraving?
The establishment and enduring appeal of an art form are intrinsically linked to its unique tools and materials. Truly successful works are always the result of fully harnessing the inherent characteristics of these implements and substances. Seal engraving possesses its distinctive aesthetic value precisely because of the special properties of the knife and the stone. So, what are the main tools required? Below, I’ve compiled a list of the commonly used instruments for seal engraving(Traditional Chinese Seal Carving (Zhuanke)).
Seal Engraving Tool Checklist:
Engraving Knives: The carving knife is the primary, indeed the fundamental, tool of seal engraving. Without the knife, there is no engraving. While ancient seals were made through various methods like casting, chiseling, and polishing—an era dominated by other materials before stone became widely used—modern seal engraving as an art form is built upon the relationship between the knife and the stone. You can choose one knife from the 3mm, 5mm, or 8mm sizes. A 5mm or 8mm knife is recommended. (For beginners, a larger knife is often suggested. Once accustomed, any size can be used, though larger knives tend to be more expensive.)
Seal Impression Books (Yinpu): For getting started, it’s generally best to begin by studying and copying official seals from the Qin and Han dynasties.
Seal Stones: Several pieces of Qingtian practice stone (approx. 2.5cm x 2.5cm) or stones from newer Qingtian mines (same size).
Ink Paste: This is the most frequently used consumable material in seal engraving. There are many varieties, typically named after their color or ingredients. The most common colors are vermilion (Zhusha) and reddish-orange (Zhubiao). Others include mineral blue, blue-white, cyan, black, etc. Quality varies greatly, but at a minimum, the paste should not bleed oil or produce fuzzy edges.
Lianshi Paper: A thin yet tough paper is ideal. Commercially available, thinner varieties work very well.
Sandpaper: An essential consumable tool. Before carving, the seal surface must be ground flat. For efficiency, first grind the stone on coarse sandpaper (around 120-grit) to level it, then switch to fine sandpaper (around 500-grit) to polish it until no scratches are visible, ensuring a clean printing surface. Therefore, keep both 120-grit and 500-grit sandpaper on hand. (To avoid inhaling harmful dust, wet/dry sandpaper used with water is highly recommended.) For further refining, polishing, or oiling the stone, 1200-grit wet/dry sandpaper can be used for a finer finish.
Small Brush or Marker Pen, Pencil, Ruler, Eraser, Tracing Paper (optional), Glue Stick.
Several sheets of A4 paper or an ordinary notebook will suffice.
Seal Vise: A basic vise or a rotating one—either is fine. Using a vise is not strictly necessary; holding the stone in your hand is often considered the best choice for control.
Brush: A small brush, or a toothbrush as a substitute, is used to sweep away stone dust during carving. This allows for constant checking of the cut and the effect. After carving, it cleans the seal surface to prevent debris from contaminating the ink paste.
Of course, there are many other auxiliary tools for seal engraving, but the essential ones generally fall into these categories. You can always add more later based on your specific needs or preferences.