Jian Qinzhai

CHINA, Guangdong, Guangzhou

Jian Qinzhai, also known as Qianshi or Yiqin, among various other pseudonyms, was a seal engraver and calligrapher. He created several stele carvings in ancient scripts such as oracle bone, bronze, and Han clerical. His oracle bone script carvings, in particular, were exquisite and among the best in the field.
A follower of the Zhejiang school of engraving, Jian learned to use his knife as a brush. With this technique, he produced strokes that were simple, firm, lively, and elegant to create well-balanced and distinctive characters. Engraved in seal script on the sides of one of Jian’s seals, Enter Deep into the Infinite, is the phrase, “Enter Deep into the Gate of Infinite Dharma Realm,” which is a quote taken from the Avatamsaka Sutra. Jian left behind several masterpieces and various books, such as Seals of Qinzhai, Collection of Seals and Calligraphy by Qinzhai, and Compilation of Poems in Oracle Bone Script.