If someone asked what the best representation of Chinese art and culture was, the most prevalent answer would most likely be Chinese calligraphy. However, art historians would tell you the real answer: the Chinese seal!
The Chinese seal, which can be traced back more than 4,000 years throughout history, has from the very beginning been closely related to the ancient Chinese hierarchical society. It,first evolved from the emblems of clans during the Shang Dynasty(17th-11th century BC) . During the Yuan (1271-1368 )and MingDynasty (1368-1644 ), seal carving matured as an art form, going beyond its basic function as a utility and status symbol. Seal carving masters congregate their specific Chinese philosophy and wisdom within the tiny seals only a few inches long and wide, creating incisive contrasts between being settled and ostentatious, strong and mild, awkward and deft, straight and curved, and square and round. Thus, these Chinese royal seals of past dynasties seemingly take us back in time where we brush shoulders with emperors, nobles, scholars and artisans of all ages, engaged in enjoyable and enlightening conversations together with them about the origin of the seals. Dandeli Art Center has invited calligrapher and professor Liu Zhenqing from the Beijing University of Technology to give a speech on the art of Chinese mud seals.
We cordially invite you to come and join us for this event. Bring your seals and share your knowledge with everyone!
Time: 10-12am, Saturday, August 15, 2009
To make reservations in advance, please contact: 67708966－9/1032
Email: michelleyang@dandeliarts.com
Site: Dandeli Art Center www.dandeliarts.com
Address: Image Base Beijing, Northwest corner, No.1 Building, No.3 Guangqu Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing
Driving Directions: From the Dajiaoting Bridge on the Fourth Ring Road, drive east along Guangqu Road past three traffic lights (about 1,700 meters far). Keep going straight ahead, then turn around to the west before reach an overhead road. After driving 200 meters going west, you will see the Image Base on the northern side of the road. Inside the Image Base, go straight north, turn to the left at the second intersection, and turn to the left again till you reach the end. Dandeli Art Center is located at the building with the green square flag
Bus lines: Take Bus No.11 at the southeast of Guomao, get off at the stop named Xiaohaizi, and you will find the Image Base across the street to your right hand.
