Mingzhong Daheng

CHINA; Qing dynasty

A colophon on the side of this seal indicates that it was carved by Ding Jing for monk Mingzhong Daheng during the Qing dynasty (1644–1911). Ding and Mingzhong were known to have been close friends, and this piece is accompanied by an additional seal carved in Mingzhong’s honor entitled West Lake Chan Master.
The layout is broad and the seal script is fluid. Boldly cut, the knife strokes are dynamic and sturdy. There is evidence of the carver’s proficiency in calligraphy, and the seal is often considered to be a scholarly work.
Ding Jing, also known as Dunding or Yanlin, was born in Hangzhou, Zhejiang. He was an expert in seal engraving, calligraphy, painting, and poetry, in addition to being the founder of the Zhejiang school of seal engraving. Also the founder of the Xiling Seal Society, Ding is regarded as the primary figure among the Eight Masters of Xiling.