Past Life as an Ascetic and a General

CHINA; Qing dynasty

This seal, carved by Xu Sangeng at the age of 47, is an honorary seal for someone who is thought to have been a monk. The respected person is said to have been so righteous and diligent in their practice that they were likely both an ascetic and a military general in their past life.
This seal consists of eight characters, each meticulously composed and skillfully engraved. With the addition of strategic spacing on the seal face, the forms look as if written with a brush. The unique cutting method and style bring about a sense of novelty with calligraphic eloquence.
Xu was a Qing dynasty (1644–1911) seal engraver and calligrapher. An avid traveler, he went from place to place making a living by creating seals. Originally a student of Chen Hongshou and Zhao Zhishen, Xu developed his own style and was particularly renowned for his dynamic compositions.