The Seal Cutting Art Workshop,organised by Confucius Institute for Traditional Chinese Medicine at London South Bank University and Confucius Institute for Scotland’s School, was held from 2nd-5th November in London and Glasgow. The workshop was sponsored by LI Lanqing, the Committee of Contemporary Chinese Seals and Hanban/Confucius Institute Headquarters.

The Seal Cutting Art Workshopwas part of LI Lanqing, the Committee of Contemporary Chinese Seals Overseas Tour. The sponsors’ aim was to encourage the younger generation in Britain to further their understanding of Chinese culture through various methods, including theme lecture, expert’s explanation and hands-on experience. The workshop attracted more than 80 students of varying ages from primary and secondary schools as well as universities; all students were learning Chinese with the Confucius Institutes.

The speaker, Prof CUI Zhiqiang, is Secretary-General of Seal Cutting Committee of Chinese Calligraphers Association. He began by introducing the origin and development of Chinese seal cutting. He then talked about different schools, their characteristics and famoushistorical seal cutting artists, followed by appreciation of seal cutting work by LI Lanqing. The British students wereimpressed by the profound Chinese culture reflected in the Chinese seal. The students’ interest was further aroused by Prof CUI’s excellent seal cutting technique as well as his patience in one-on-one instructions and demonstrations. Throughout the workshop students either dispersed to work individually or gathered to discuss and exchange ideas. Chinese, English and body language were used in communication. All were immersed in the lively and relaxing atmosphere which was in itself a harmonious picture of Sino-British cultural exchange. Gradually, characters which reflect the universal human sentiments such as“heart” and “love” began to take shape in the students’ seal cutting work. The seals they worked on were not only proof and witness of their hard work, but also the most valuable reward and souvenir.

The Chinese teachers of Confucius Institute for TCM assisting the training

One student told the reporter that seal cutting is an important and very special form of art in traditional Chinese culture and that this was the first time that he had hands-on experience of seal cutting. He found it extremely interesting and hoped that there would be more opportunities like this.

The spokesman for Hanban/Confucius Institute Headquarters said Hanban has been committed to develop various cultural activities to promote the Chinese culture according to the different needs of peoples in the world. Taking the opportunity of LI Lanqing, the Committee of Contemporary Chinese Seals Overseas Tour, the local Confucius Institutes organized theSeal Cutting Art Workshop to cater British youths’ interest in traditional Chinese culture. It is of great importance that we kindle the cultural interest among the Chinese and the British peoples as it serves as a premise for our mutual understanding, trust and communication.