Zhang Zaixin

CHINA, Shandong, Weifang; Qing dynasty

Zhang Zaixin was a seal engraver, calligrapher, painter, and author from Anqiu, Weifang. He was known to travel extensively and make friends with many well-known people. His seal carvings in regular script followed the traditional styles of various ancient dynasties including the Qin (220–207 BCE) and Han (206 BCE–220 CE) dynasties. His unique and impressive works were representative of the Qilu school of seal carving during the early Qing dynasty (1644–1911).
Besides landscape, Zhang was adept in depicting figures and birds. His artworks include Nine Elders and a Self-Portrait at the age of 86. His symmetrical seal engraving of Past Life as the Gold Grain Tathagata and Magnanimous Practitioner, both of which demonstrate Zhang’s adept carving skills.