Not Bound By Matter

CHINA; Qing dynasty

The concept of being “not bound by matter” refers to attaining realization among all manifestations of the physical world; essentially, one should aim to retain an open mind and think clearly outside of the restrictions of the material that surrounds us.
In the simple and straightforward layout of this seal, comprised of four white characters, consistency is observed in the negative space found between forms. A boldly cut seal script was employed to create square and straight characters that differ from what was traditionally found in seals following Han style.
Donggao Xinyue was a Chan master of the Qing dynasty (1644–1911) from Pujiang, Zhejiang. A skilled artist, he was particularly adept in calligraphy and seal engraving. He was invited by the abbot of Kofukuji Temple in Nagasaki, Japan in 1681 to propagate the Dharma in the country. Master Donggao is regarded as one of the founding fathers of seal art in Japan, alongside Duli Xingyi.