Amitabha Buddha

TAIWAN

Amitabha is the Buddha of the Western Pure Land. In addition to bearing his name on the seal surface, the side colophon of this seal reveals an image of Amitabha Buddha, seated upon a lotus throne.
Engraved in a single column in small seal script, the four characters of this piece were carved in one stroke. The space between strokes is distinct, as can be seen in the second character from the top, where the strokes are compacted and density is obvious in the right radical. In considering the cutting technique used, accuracy, skill, and creativity can be observed through the residual knife marks that appear naturally on the seal surface. The strokes are overall thin but powerful, and when viewed in its entirety, the seal takes on a harmonious and organic appearance of a brush painting.
Li Damu was originally named Du Weng. He was skilled in calligraphy and seal engraving, learning the art forms by studying the Qin and Han scripts, as well as ancient bronze inscriptions and stone tablets. Li also studied the running and cursive scripts of the Tang dynasty (618–907). A prominent artist of his time, he became vastly influential on the development of seal engraving in Taiwan.