Zhao Shigang

CHINA, Zhejiang, Ningbo

Originally known as Runxiang, Zhao Shigang was a seal engraver also known as Renchang. A native of Yinxian (present day Yinzhou, Ningbo), his style vastly impacted Jiangnan (region south of the Yangtze River). He had over 60 students who were able to continue his engraving techniques.
Initially, Zhao followed the Zhejiang school of carving, and later, he thoroughly studied the seals of Deng Shiru and Zhao Zhiqian, in addition to those of the Qin (220–207 BCE) and Han (206 BCE–220 CE) dynasties. He was particularly good at emulating the techniques of the Southern Song (960–1279) and Yuan (1271–1368) dynasties. Adept in four calligraphic scripts, he diligently researched the seals of Zhao Mengfu and Zhao Zhiqian. In painting, he was good at drawing flowers, birds, grass, insects, and particularly horses, which were similar to that of Italian painter Giuseppe Castiglione.
Zhao authored several books, among them the Manual of Seals at Enu Vihara and Collection of Seals at Enu Vihara. His students published Bequeathed Calligraphy of Zhao Shuru. His Buddhist seals include Stone Buddha Niche, Silent Observation, and Learn to Let Others Take Advantage of You.