Born Three Days After the Buddha

CHINA; Qing dynasty

This seal consists of six characters cut in a straight, vertical line reading from top to bottom. The layout, script, and carving methods are all consistent and neatly executed. Exhibiting the influence of the Zhejiang school, the seal is engraved with refined and strong incisions. Although the seal script is sinuous in style, it differs in the display of angular brushwork; this personal touch gives strength and sturdiness to the resulting character forms.
Ding Zhu, also known as Cheng’an, was a native of Hangzhou, Zhejiang. He was active between 1821 and 1850 during the Qing dynasty. Skilled in seal engraving, his methods and compositions were adapted from the prevalent works of the Zhejiang school. Ding’s seals are rich and strong in composition, displaying a style that is reminiscent of the works of Chen Hongshou and Zhao Zhichen.