Changhua Tian | Qing Dynasty Old Piece | Wu Changshuo | Wu Jun | Changhua Tianhuang | Thin-Carving | Leisure Seal | Shoushan Stone | Tianhuang

Changhua Tianhuang stone is a rising star among Changhua stones. According to historical records, Changhua Tianhuang was discovered in the Qing Dynasty. It is a type of solitary stone found in the earth, primarily composed of pyrophyllite, with an oily luster. Stones that are pure and free from impurities are rare and precious. Thus, it is considered the finest variety of Zhejiang stone. The formation of Changhua Tianhuang differs from that of Shoushan Tianhuang. Changhua Tianhuang is typically unearthed from soil layers on mountains, containing less moisture and being less tender than Shoushan Tianhuang, with more sand inclusions. However, high-quality Changhua Tianhuang closely resembles Shoushan Tianhuang. Changhua Tianhuang is produced in the Changhua Shangxi Township of Lin'an County, Zhejiang Province, within an area of only about 500 mu where Tianhuang has been found. Production is limited, and it is largely depleted, following the same path as Shoushan Tianhuang. This piece of Changhua Tian stone exhibits a condensed and stable texture, clear and luminous, with a brilliant golden-yellow hue. The yellow color radiates gently and richly from the center outwards, with a distinct skin and pure coloration between the skin and the stone. It feels warm and smooth to the touch, akin to a baby's delicate skin—incredibly tender and highly coveted by enthusiasts and collectors alike. This is an exceptionally high-quality Changhua Tian, possessing a full "Tian flavor," a truly collectible piece of the highest caliber. In terms of color, warmth, and texture, it rivals Shoushan Tianhuang, and in its warmth, smoothness, fineness, delicacy, condensation, and stability, it surpasses ordinary Tianhuang stones. This Changhua Tian seal, with its thin-carving, is attributed to Wu Changshuo. His original name was Jun, and he was known as Changshuo. Born in 1844 and passed away in 1927, he was a native of Anji, Huzhou, Zhejiang. He was a renowned Chinese painter, calligrapher, and seal carver of the late Qing and early Republican periods. At the age of 21, in 1865 (the fourth year of the Tongzhi reign in Qing Dynasty), Wu Changshuo passed the imperial examination to become a Xiucai (a scholar) and subsequently began a career in seal carving. In 1872, he traveled throughout the Jiangxi and Zhejiang regions, earning a living by carving seals for others while exploring. After the age of 31, he moved to Suzhou, where he studied a vast collection of epigraphy, seals, paintings, and calligraphy. Later, in 1904, he founded the "Xiling Seal Society" at Gu Shan in Hangzhou, referring to himself as the "Beggar of Seals from the Five Lakes." He embodied the fusion of "poetry, calligraphy, painting, and seal carving," integrating epigraphy and painting into a unified whole. He was hailed as the "foremost master of Seal script carved in the style of ancient stone drums" and "the final peak of literati painting." He was a pivotal figure in painting, calligraphy, and seal carving, and achieved great acclaim in poetry and epigraphy. The side inscription on this seal reads: "Carved by Wu Jun of Anji in his residence in Wuxia," and the seal text is "He Qing Ren Shou" (When the Yellow River runs clear, people live long). Ancient legends state that the Yellow River's water clears once every thousand years, hence "He Qing Ren Shou" symbolizes longevity. Wu Jun lived to be 84 years old, a considerable age for the late Qing and early Republican era, perfectly reflecting his aspirations when carving this seal in his residence! Seals carved by Wu Changshuo have repeatedly achieved remarkable results at auction. For instance, at the Xiling Seal Society's Autumn Auction in 2016, a pair of personal seals carved from Shoushan Duling stone, with the side inscription: "Carved by Cangshi Wu Jun in his residence in Wuxia in the second lunar month of Dinghai," sold for RMB 1,127,000. This thin-carved seal depicts "Double Dragons Guarding the Pearl," with a dragon on each side, a large pearl above, and two smaller luminous pearls floating in the wavy water pattern below. The two dragon heads face the central pearl, symbolizing "double dragons protecting a precious object." Dragons symbolize rain clouds, and the pearl represents the moon or a thunder pearl. The pairing of dragons and pearls signifies the moon within the clouds, or thunder within the clouds, bringing rain, and symbolizes warding off evil or praying for blessings—a motif of auspiciousness and celebration. Wu Changshuo employed thin-carving and the technique of "recessed ground" carving. The dragons' mouths are wide open, and the musculature of their feet is pronounced, conveying a sense of dynamic movement and lively vigor. The entire piece is symmetrically designed with orderly lines. The dragons are exquisitely detailed, with brisk and lively carving strokes and elegant contour lines, creating a sense of dynamic beauty within stillness. The overall craftsmanship is robust, ancient, and spirited, with fluid yet not rigid stone carving artistry. Furthermore, this piece is made from superior material, carved from Changhua Tianhuang. The carving style is ancient, elegant, and rounded, with lively forms that showcase Wu Changshuo's unique artistry, ingenious conception, and vivid expressiveness. It is a delight to behold and a superior piece for the scholar's studio. To strengthen cultural heritage protection and prevent the outflow of precious modern and contemporary cultural relics, and to refine the approval standards for the export of cultural relics, the National Cultural Heritage Administration issued the "Notice of the National Cultural Heritage Administration on the List of Famous Artists Whose Works After 1911 Are Restricted from Export" in May 2023. Wu Changshuo is included in the list of famous artists whose seal works are restricted from export, demonstrating his profound artistic achievements and national recognition! In recent years, due to the depletion of Fujian Tianhuang resources, acquiring fine Tianhuang raw stones has become difficult. This excavated Changhua Tian stone, with its strong "Tian flavor," can be favorably compared to Shoushan Tianhuang. Moreover, it is a work by the master Wu Changshuo from the late Qing and early Republican periods, making it highly worthy of ownership! The images and videos have not been enhanced by any software and are presented to closely resemble the actual item. The collection is currently housed at the "shanchiart" gallery in Taipei. Visits and exchanges are welcome! https://youtu.be/tTxc4TFbocg?si=A61uvnwUnLXzNgtH