Li Deguang

CHINA, Shanghai; Qing dynasty

Li Deguang was also known by his aliases, Fuchu and Shitang. He was a seal engraver from Huating (present day Songjiang district, Shanghai). Due to his in-depth study of ancient seals, he was skilled in carving seals out of various materials such as copper, jade, ivory, and stone. Li was devoted to copying ancient seals and collecting records of seals from past engraving masters. He was close friends with Ding Jing, another famous seal artist who highly-regarded Li’s vigorous and graceful knifing skills.
Several of Li’s seals were selected to be compiled in Seal Collections of Feihongtang. His Buddhist seals included Body and Mind in Still Quietness, Seek Supreme Wisdom, and Precepts and Wisdom as the Dharma Wall, the last of which was a white-character square seal made with powerful and elegant engraving techniques such as big chopping cut. The result is a simple and strong work of seal art.