Stone Buddha Niche

CHINA

Carved by Zhao Shigang at the age of 47, this seal features a calligraphic style that was emulated from the neat and elegant Northern Wei dynasty (384–534) stele engraving of Inscription of Sculpture Commissioned by Monk Huicheng for Duke of Shiping.
The three characters of the seal, arranged in Han style, are placed in two columns, with “kan” (niche) occupying the entire left side of the seal surface. Engraved in sinuous seal script, the characters appear sturdy and regular, with a perfect square border encompassing them. Zhao was known for for his proficiency in carving with a sharp steel knife, and this aspect is reflected in this seal with its precise and tidy presentation.
Born in Zhejiang, Zhao Shigang was also known as Xianchen or Shuru. He began painting at a very young age and was considered to be a child prodigy. Also skilled in calligraphy and seal engraving, Zhao initially imitated the seal style of the Zhejiang school, but later found influences in the works of Deng Shiru and Zhao Zhiqian. He is especially renowned for his red character seals.