Past Life as the Golden Grain Tathagata

CHINA; Qing dynasty

The “Golden Grain Tathagata” refers to Vimalakirti in his past life as a Buddha. A poem Response to Huzhou Sima’s Question: Who is Bai? by Li Bai, in which he draws comparisons between himself and Vimalakirti, serves as the inspiration for the text of this seal. The poem was a testimony of the integration of Buddhist philosophy into Li’s poetry, as well as his affirmation of Buddhism.
This seal consists of seven white characters, which are distributed across three columns. One character is featured prominently in the center, with three to each side. A white border frames the text and enhances the symmetrical layout of the seal. An indication of the Zhejiang school style is observed in the strong turns and the overall cutting technique employed.
Zhang Zaixin was also known as Maojun or Tugong. He was an expert seal engraver, calligrapher, and painter of the Qing dynasty (1644–1911) from Anqiu, Shandong. Zhang studied the art of seal carving under Zhou Liangong, and based his style on Qin and Han seals, utilizing steady cutting techniques with skillful layouts and diverse designs.