Wu Shijie

CHINA, Anhui, Huangshan; Qing dynasty

Wu Shijie was a seal engraver who was also known as Juanqian or Mangong. He was proficient in the Six Categories of Characters and specialized in large and small seal scripts. Additionally, he excelled in bell and cauldron inscriptions. He was skilled in engraving seals of any form and style and utilized materials such as gold, jade, crystal, bamboo, and ivory. His knifing technique was graceful and elegant, resulting in engravings that were exquisite and highly regarded.
Wu’s Buddhist seal carving, Past Life as the Golden Grain Tathagata, was a red-character square seal with a well-coordinated and uniform layout that was without carving traces. His other works include Leisure Life and Enjoy Prosperity, Having a Determined Heart Like a Pine Tree, and Hard to Discuss with Ordinary People.