Seals play an indispensable role in enhancing the completeness of calligraphy, giving the work a unique brilliance. Among the materials used to create seals, Tianhuang Stone and Chicken Blood Stone are renowned as the most expensive seal materials in the world, celebrated for their rarity and exceptional qualities.
Tianhuang Stone: The “King of Seal Materials” – A Rare and Precious Gem
Tianhuang Stone is an extremely rare stone found in the Shoushan region of Fuzhou, China, and its name is derived from its yellow hue, reminiscent of looking at a rice field. The stone is known for its smooth texture, which is often compared to dry silk, and its delicate golden-yellow color. The finest Tianhuang stones are sometimes semi-transparent, with an enchanting light-reflecting quality.
In ancient China, Tianhuang Stone was reserved for emperors and the highest-ranking officials, often used in the seals of imperial decrees. For instance, during the Ming Dynasty, Emperor Taizong highly valued Tianhuang Stone seals, using them for special imperial documents. Tianhuang Stone was once considered so valuable that it was said, “Three years’ worth of Tianhuang would provide a lifetime’s sustenance.” Even today, Tianhuang Stone is regarded as a rare and precious art form among calligraphers and collectors of ancient texts.
Today, high-quality Tianhuang Stone seals can be worth millions of yuan, with instances of them being sold at high prices at global auctions. This reflects their significance not only as works of art but also for their scientific and cultural value.
Chicken Blood Stone: A Seal Material Symbolizing “The Beauty of Red”
Chicken Blood Stone is a type of stone mined in the Changhua area of Jiangxi Province and the Bailingqi area of Inner Mongolia, China. Named for its distinct red patterns resembling “chicken’s blood,” this stone is prized for its ability to imbue the seal surface with a precious crimson hue, adding depth to the artwork.
The finest Chicken Blood Stones have intricate patterns, with layers of deep crimson that resemble the blood of a chicken. These stones have been valued since ancient times, often used as tribute gifts to emperors, while also being highly regarded by scholars and calligraphers.
The deep red motif of Chicken Blood Stone has long been associated with immortality and magic, and it was appreciated and celebrated by intellectuals, symbolizing peace and well-being (“Haixia Ankang”). Even today, it continues to be highly valued as a seal material for calligraphy, held in high regard by modern calligraphers.
From Ancient to Modern: The Cultural Value of Seal Materials
Tianhuang Stone and Chicken Blood Stone symbolize the rich history of seal culture in China. These materials, while serving as tools to complete calligraphic works, also hold immense cultural value due to their artistic qualities. As one of the “Four Treasures of the Study” (the essential tools for calligraphy), the use of these materials underscores their importance in the completion of traditional works of art.
In today’s art market, the value of Tianhuang Stone and Chicken Blood Stone continues to rise. Not only are they celebrated for their role in seal carving, but they are also appreciated worldwide as art pieces. Their cultural significance will undoubtedly be passed down through generations.
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