Realize the Right of Today and the Wrong of Yesterday

CHINA; Qing dynasty

A quote from Tao Yuanming’s Returning Home reads, “Realize the right of today and the wrong of yesterday.” Also mentioned within the Buddhist classic, Wudeng Quanshu, it means to realize the wrong committed previously with a sense of repentance and a willingness to make the current day better.
In line with Han seal format, the six characters of this rectangular work exhibit the sturdy and solid style and carving methods of ancient dynasties. Each character is spaced equally apart within two columns, with three characters in each. The cutting is clear and vigorous, with a hint of resolve and consistency, and the seal structure is smooth, neat, and steady.
Lin Gao was also known as Hetian and Hedian. A seal engraver of the Qing dynasty (1644–1911) from Putian, Fujian, he was an ardent follower of ancient styles, often employing the techniques of the Qin (221–207 BCE) and Han (206 BCE–220 CE) dynasties. His seals are classic and elegant, and always with appropriate spacing. Lin received recognition from several of his contemporaries, who honored the techniques and style associated with his works as the “Lin” school of seal engraving.