Seal engraver dedicated to carving peony flowers on stone

Renowned seal engraver Wu Canghai – from Juye county, Heze city in East China's Shandong province – has been captivating art enthusiasts with his remarkable skills and artistry in carving peony flowers onto stones.

The master engraver proudly shows an example of his work. [Photo by Xiao Shouxiang for chinadaily.com.cn]

For over 25 years, Wu has devoted himself to the ancient art of seal engraving – considering it a form of expression that transcends time and carries profound meaning.

With a simple wooden desk, a desk lamp and a few engraving knives scattered on the table, Wu meticulously carves every stroke – transforming ordinary stones into exquisite peony blossoms.

Through his craftsmanship and artistic sensibility, each carved stone exudes the majestic elegance of the peony, a flower renowned for its beauty in Chinese culture.

Traditionally, seal engraving focuses on inscriptions rather than visual representations.

Wu's approach is unique. By depicting peonies, his engravings appeal to a wider audience, combining the charm of peonies with the intricate techniques of seal engraving.

Seal engraving involves various processes, including stone polishing, design, carving, adjustments and adding the finishing touches, Wu said. The key to success lies in the precision of the final carving, which requires a delicate fusion of skill and intuition, he added.

As a passionate advocate of peonies, Wu said it was his duty to promote and showcase their beauty from his hometown of Heze.

Through his art, Wu tells the story of Heze's peonies, contributing to the preservation and advancement of the seal engraving art form. (Edited by Jin Yongxue)