Best Stone Materials for Chinese Seal Carving: A Complete Guide
Previously, we published an article on “Chinese Seals: Complete Guide to Types and Usage.” Many friends interested in carving their own seal stamps or who enjoy seal engraving may wonder: What stones are best for carving seals? What are the common stone materials used for seal carving? Which stones are suitable for calligraphy seal carving? Today, we’ll explore the common stone materials used for calligraphy seal carving.
Common Seal Carving Materials
Seal stamps can be made from various materials. The commonly used and reasonably priced options include ordinary stones like Shoushan and Qingtian. Higher-end materials include Chicken Blood Stone and Tianhuang stone. In Liyang Zhoucheng Ludang, there’s a type of pyrophyllite that’s also used for seal carving, sometimes called Liyang Stone in the market. If you have the chance, you might want to try it. Below are some common materials used for calligraphy seal stamps, along with examples of seal carvings.
1. Shoushan Stone（寿山石）
Shoushan stone has a fine, smooth texture and an elegant appearance, making it a superior material for seal carving. There are many varieties of Shoushan stone. Tianhuang stone is known as the “Stone Emperor,” while Furong stone, together with Changhua Chicken Blood Stone, is called the “Stone Empress.” Gaoshan stone offers abundant varieties and quantity—the famous Jiangjun Cave produces Gaoshan stone.
Seal carving work by Li Juntian
2. Qingtian Stone（青田石）
Qingtian stone has a delicate and crisp texture, making it an excellent material for seal carving. The stone-cutting process produces a clear, crisp sound, which professional seal engravers particularly appreciate.
Seal carving work by Guo Fangming
3. Changhua Stone（昌化石）
Among Changhua stones, Chicken Blood Stone is the most famous. Changhua Chicken Blood Stone is expensive and has become a collectible item along with Shoushan Tianhuang stone. Chicken Blood Stones from other regions cannot compare to it.
Works by Sun Xizhen, Wang Guangfu, and Li Juntian (side inscription)
4. Balin Stone（巴林石）
Balin stone comes in many varieties and has good quality. Among them, Balin Chicken Blood Stone has been increasing in value year by year.
Seal carving work by Lu Anyao
5. Red Thread Stone（红丝石）
Red Thread Stone is produced in Linyi, Shandong. The stone is relatively hard and not ideal for carving.
Seal carving work by Shi Lianqiu
6. Laizhou Crimson Oil Stone（莱州酱油石）
This stone is produced in Laizhou City, Shandong. It’s a recently discovered stone type that, although somewhat hard, is very suitable for engraving.
Seal carving work by Shi Lianqiu
My own seal (which is too large to be suitable for small regular script works)
Closing Remarks
Above is information about stone materials related to calligraphy seal carving. For more knowledge about traditional Chinese stationery, you may also want to read：
Top 10 Chinese Calligraphy Brushes: The Ultimate Guide to Selection and Care
Top 10 Chinese Xuan Paper Brands: Selection Guide & Care Tips
The 5 Best Chinese Ink Brands: Properties, Selection Criteria & Care Guide
What are the four famous inkstones and Top Ten Inkstones
We believe these articles will give you a more detailed and systematic understanding of writing tools such as brush, ink, paper, and inkstone.
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