While China is famous for its beautiful calligraphy, important documents and letters were for centuries signed not with a handwritten name, but with a carved seal — a small stone block leaving a bold red imprint, unique to its owner.
Imagine signing your name with a tiny, centimeters-tall stamp, which leaves a bright red mark — perhaps with a playful panda nibbling on a bamboo shoot beside it.
If that image appeals, then head to Xuzhou, Jiangsu province and find Huang Guorui, who adds a playful, modern twist to centuries-old Chinese seal-making traditions at his workshop.
Huang didn't set out to become a seal artisan, but in his spare time, he carves delicate symbols, English letters and animals into stones.
"I've always loved stones," he said. But it wasn't until his daughter suggested that he display his seals online a few years ago that things took off.
The panda-and-English name seal, a signature piece of Huang's work, has received plenty of warm feedback on social media.
Each seal takes a full day to carve, with the design carefully planned so that every line — whether a curved letter or a tiny panda paw — is perfect.
Huang's creations are personal and steeped in tradition. Some seals feature English letters paired with dragons and phoenixes for romantic gifts, while others showcase warm, whimsical designs. Using soft carving stones, Huang ensures that each seal leaves a bold, tactile mark.
Beyond commerce, Huang sees his seals as cultural storytelling — a bridge between Chinese artistry and modern life, a tiny stamp that carries fun, personality and a touch of heritage.
What was once a solemn tool for emperors and officials has become a memento for tourists, blending ancient tradition with a modern flair.
The rise of customized seals that feature familiar English names paired with traditional Chinese animals is redefining the souvenir market for travelers.
Li Mingliang, a seal carving artist who works at Beijing's Liulichang — a historic area known for its old books, antiques and calligraphy — has been gaining attention for his playful seals that blend English names with traditional Chinese animals.
Li noted that seal engraving is a cornerstone of the nation's fine arts and that while the function of the seal has evolved over time, it has always remained deeply symbolic.
Historically, seals were used to authorize documents and seal letters. Often crafted from materials such as jade, ivory or wood, they became symbols of authority and prestige.
"We've always used animals such as dragons and phoenixes in Chinese seals," said Li, 35, who learned Chinese calligraphy as a child and later studied seal carving at a university in Chengdu, Sichuan province.
"But incorporating English names and popular animals, such as cats, puppies and pandas, is new. It's a way to connect with tourists in a more playful, personal way," he added.
"One of my clients is British photographer Thomas Symonds. The seal he ordered is a striking blend of energy and strength," Li said.
"The design and layout were all his own ideas. At its heart is a powerful combination of a lightning bolt and a clenched fist. His name winds around the design, adding a personal touch that makes the seal uniquely his," he said.
Symonds told Li that the reason he chose this specific design was that, as a photographer, he believes it's essential to capture and control light in his work.
"The new wave of creative seals is driven by a universal desire for self-expression," Li said. "Art is ultimately about expressing one's thoughts, emotions and values."
"It's the personal touch that draws people in," he said. "For generations, seals have represented power and authority in Chinese culture. Now, they represent individuality — something tourists can take home and say: 'This is mine, and it's a part of my journey.'"
