Wang Zhuang-Wei

CHINA, Hebei, Yixian

Wang Zhuang-Wei, whose original name was Yuanli and had an alias of Jianzhai, was a calligrapher and seal engraver. Learning from his father at a young age, he later studied Western style painting at the Jinghua Academy of Art in Beijing. In 1949 he went to Taiwan to teach at the National Taiwan Normal University in Taipei.
He was greatly influenced by several renowned artists of seal carving and calligraphy, such as Zhao Zhiqian, Huang Shiling, Wu Changshuo, and Qi Baishi. He became skilled in various types of calligraphic scripts. He authored books such as Selected Works of Yu Zhao Shan Room and Best Selection of Wang Zhuang-Wei’s Calligraphic Works.
His rectangular seal of Maya Vihara was carved in celebration of the completion of Zhang Daqian’s new home. The seal, which was delicately carved in clerical, seal, and cursive scripts, is now kept at the National Palace Museum in Taipei. His other Buddhist seals include Everything is Manifestation of Mind, Offering at Lei Yin Temple, Joy of Seeing the Buddha and Listening to the Dharma, and Guanxiu.