Zhu Jian

CHINA, Anhui, Huangshan; Ming dynasty

Zhu Jian, also known as Xiuneng or Junge was a seal engraver from Xiuning county in Huangshan. He was known to be foremost in seal engraving, particularly during the mid-Ming dynasty (1368–1644), and played an influential role in the progression of the later Zhejiang school. Zhu also made revisions to the imperial seal of the early Qin dynasty based on ancient seals of the Warring States.
His artworks include Tolerance as Vast as an Ocean, Heart as Pure as a Lotus, a red-character rectangular seal that shows a neat layout with concise carving. Zhu spent 14 years between 1597 and 1611 composing two volumes of Appreciating Seals that discusses the assessment of seals and engraving techniques. In addition, he was the author of several other books including Seal Scripture, Seal Collections of Junge, and Catalogue of Seals by Xiuneng.