One Finger Chan

CHINA

During the Tang dynasty (618–907), Chan Master Juzhi was known for leading and teaching his disciples with one finger always pointed upward; the gesture came to be referred to as “One Finger Chan,” and serves as the inspiration for this seal work.
Referencing Han dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE) seals, the three characters of this piece were carved out in a vertical format, with dividing lines on the upper left and lower right echoing one another. A jagged cutting method was applied, and the lines are reminiscent of the Zhejiang school style. The strokes, even and straight, bring balance to the overall piece of seal work.
Pan Tianshou was an artist from Ninghai, Zhejiang and was also known as Dayi or Shouzhe. He was skilled in the creation of freehand paintings of nature and figures, which he executed in the traditional Chinese style. In addition to being a skilled painter and seal engraver, Pan was an accomplished poet, calligrapher, and art educator.