Zhang Yuecheng

CHINA, Hebei, Xingtai

Zhang Yuecheng, originally named Fuyin, was a seal engraver from Xinhe county in Xingtai. He earned a living at Tonggutang, a seal engraving studio in Beijing and was famous for his extensive studies on the Six Writings as well as his exquisite carving skills. In 1909, Zhang made eight imperial seals for Emperor Xuantong (reigned 1908–1912), the inscriptions on which have become important tools for the identification of imperial paintings from the Qing dynasty.
Zhang was a master of copper engraving. He once created a 12-panel copper screen that was based on the calligraphy of Liang Qichao, and the painting of Yao Hua; this impressive work is now collected at the National Museum of China in Beijing. His other artwork is the white-character oval seal entitled Exceed Beyond Delusion. The government seal of the Republic of China, a 9 cm square seal, was also carved by him.