Zhang Yu

JeniZhang13@163.com

IN the world of Chinese calligraphy and seal carving, one name is making waves with his sharp brush, precise burin, and even sharper wit — Che Dilin.

Born in the picturesque city of  Yuhuan, Zhejiang Province, in 1978, Che has etched his way into the hearts of art aficionados with his dynamic calligraphy and seal carving. His journey from Zhejiang to tech-savvy Shenzhen is more than just a physical move — it’s a testament to the evolution of an artist who thrives on blending tradition with modernity.

Che’s portfolio reads like a who’s who of the calligraphy world. Not only is he a member of the prestigious China Calligraphers Association, he’s also a vice chairman of the Shenzhen Calligraphers Association.

His online presence is as formidable as his physical creations, with insightful columns penned for online media and websites. His influence also extends to academia, where he shares his wisdom as a visiting professor at Lingnan Normal University.

However, it’s his work that truly speaks volumes. With a style described as “rich and sharp lines, full and robust structure,” Che’s seal script dances on the edge of tradition and innovation. His bold use of sharp triangular forms adds a touch of humor and vibrancy to his pieces, making each character come alive with a story of its own.

Driven by passion

During Che’s formative years in junior high, he was nudged towards calligraphy by the elegant script that adorned his teachers’ blackboards.

“A wave of admiration would swell within me each time I viewed the exquisite characters, prompting a silent question — ‘How does one achieve such beauty in writing?’” Che said during an exclusive interview with Shenzhen Daily on Thursday.

Driven by this awe, Che would quietly practice replicating those strokes, thus sowing the seeds of a deep fascination with calligraphy.

As he advanced to high school, particularly in his first year, a serendipitous encounter with his Chinese teacher — the locally celebrated calligrapher Jiang Youlian — further fueled his passion. Despite the absence of formal calligraphy courses at the time, Jiang expressed a sense of duty in guiding his students in the art of writing and became an unexpected mentor in the process.

Che gradually chose to delve deeper into the study of calligraphy — not with the intention of turning it into a profession, but simply for the sheer joy it brought him. Little did he know that life has a way of intertwining one’s passion with their career path, a harmonious blend that is indeed a rare and wonderful gift.

Encouraged by another teacher named Zhu Xiaofeng, Che set his sights on academic pursuits and was eventually accepted to what was then Zhejiang Agricultural University, now the prestigious Zhejiang University.

“The journey was marked by pivotal encounters with influential figures who played a crucial role in shaping my path, although I might not have realized their significance at the time,” Che said.

The wisdom and support of his teachers, including renowned seal engraver Lai Yishi and calligraphers Ma Shixiao and Cao Baolin, were instrumental to Che’s artistic development, according to the artist.

Infused with this passion, Che came to Shenzhen with a brush and a burin in 1999.

Seal carving, a Chinese cultural legacy

The art of seal engraving in China has a rich history that spans thousands of years, evolving through various dynasties and cultural shifts.

Seal engraving, alternatively termed seal cutting or carving, is the meticulous craft of inscribing characters or symbols onto a seal using a burin. This distinctive art form encompasses not only the aesthetic design and intricacies of script structure, but also the dexterity needed to wield a burin.

The art of seal carving flourished significantly during the Qin and Han dynasties (221 B.C.-A.D. 220), marking a pivotal period in its evolution. Following the unification of the six states (221 B.C.), Emperor Qin Shi Huang formalized a system for the use of seals, transforming them into emblems of authority and prestige.

In this era, seal script was the dominant font for seal carving, and the choice of materials was exquisite, including jade, gold, ivory, and horn. The resulting works were imbued with the distinct flair of the times.

From the Wei, Jin, Southern and Northern dynasties (220-589) through to the Song and Yuan dynasties (960-1368), seal carving art embarked on a new developmental phase. The increasing use of regular script in place of seal script led to a diversification of fonts used for seal carving.

The function of seals evolved, expanding beyond mere inscription to encompass artistic appreciation. This shift attracted the involvement of numerous literati and ink artists in the craft of seal creation, further enriching the art form.

The Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911) witnessed the second peak of seal carving’s development, which was characterized by sophisticated techniques and a proliferation of styles. A plethora of renowned seal carvers emerged during this period, contributing to a vibrant and varied artistic landscape and the rise of multiple schools of thought. This era left an indelible mark on the history of seal carving, establishing it as a treasured aspect of China’s cultural heritage.

In the modern era, the art of seal engraving remains a vibrant tradition, with contemporary artists continuing to explore and innovate within this ancient art form. The Xiling Seal Engraver’s Society in Zhejiang, founded in 1904, plays a crucial role in preserving the art.

The art of Chinese seal engraving was added to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2009, an acknowledgement of its cultural significance and the need for its preservation.

Making the cut

The essence of seal engraving is the mastery of calligraphic artistry based on seal script, coupled with the skillful use of a burin as if it were a writing brush.

In the artistic world of seal engraving, Che is not satisfied with merely inheriting tradition but actively explores and innovates. With keen observation and exceptional learning and transformation abilities, he shaped his personal style in calligraphy and seal carving at an early stage.

His artistic vision is broad and not limited to current artistic trends. Instead, it draws on traditional calligraphy and seal carving, adding a distinct vitality and exploring a personalized path. “An artist must possess a distinct and independent identity, a personal touch that is essential and unmistakably their own,” Che shared.

“This identity should be forged on the foundation of tradition, yet crafted with a spirit of innovation. The works produced must reflect a unique personal style, one that is elevated in taste and possesses a clarity and distinctiveness that sets them apart,” he added.

The industry has taken note, praising his exploratory spirit and the distinct vitality in his work. “Che’s seal carving is a form of ‘poetic’ art, crafted with the soul of a poet. His approach to engraving seals is not merely technical but deeply emotional,” Wu Zhelei, a fellow of the China Calligraphers Association, wrote in an article.

“His seals are characterized by a prominent individuality. His calligraphic and seal works have the power to resonate with viewers on a profound spiritual level, offering them immense aesthetic pleasure,” Wu said.

Qian Wenzhong, a historian at Fudan University, hailed Che as an outstanding calligrapher and seal engraver with unique influence in both creative practice and academia.

Che’s style didn’t form overnight — it’s the result of a profound journey influenced by his academic background, the guidance of mentors, and honing his craft during countless days and nights of toil at his workbench, according to the artist.

“I want to leave something to the future generations, with my own mark,” Che said.

Chinese culture to the world

An outgoing person with a humorous soul, Che has made friends in various fields, including the renowned lyricist Vincent Fang, who is known for his collaborations with famous Chinese singer Jay Chou, as well as famous Chinese actors Zhang Tielin and Zhang Guoli.

Che’s works, with artistic beauty and value, are often given as gifts to friends from home and abroad. He also creates seals for enterprises, helping to highlight their culture.

In 2023, Che’s calligraphy and seal carving works were gifted to Konstantin Novoselov, a Nobel Prize winner in Physics, through a shared friend.

In addition, he actively participates in international exchange activities. In 2019, Che was invited to the Chinese Embassy in Mauritius to conduct calligraphy and seal carving exchanges.

“Seal carving is not something exclusive to a few. It can enter thousands of households and even reach the world,” Che said.

At the same time, he hopes that his works will give a sense of exclusivity to those who collect them, as each seal is a story told through the enduring language of calligraphy.