Dong Xun

CHINA, Zhejiang, Shaoxing; Qing dynasty

Dong Xun was a seal engraver, painter, and calligrapher from Shanyin (present day Shaoxing, Zhejiang). He began imitating seal carvings at a young age, and in his leisure time, he would research music, literature, and information on seal carving. He once served as an official, but eventually ceded his position in favor of traveling with his guqin and books around the illustrious countryside of Sichuan. Later, he resided in Beijing and made a living by selling his artwork and acquainted himself with several well-known artists such as Yu Ji, Huang Yue, and Luo Pin.
Dong’s seal carving style followed those of several past dynasties. He designed arrangements that were strong, unique, and deep in meaning. He also authored the book, Duoyezhai Seal Essay, in which he discussed ancient imperial seals and prints and remarked on different seal carving trends. Other writings by Dong include Poems at the Small Pond, Collection of Seals Imitated from the Song and Yuan Dynasties, and Dong’s Seal Forms.
His seal carving pieces, Viewing the South Mountain at Ease and Little Langhuan, are kept at the Shanghai Museum. His Buddhist works include I Am the Tathagata’s Youngest Cousin and Monk Yiyun.