Nicolas Lesaffre x Seal Carving Technique

The embrace of Hug the K mirrors the embrace of the seal’s imprint — both are acts that bind people together. One leaves warmth on the heart, the other leaves a unique engraving on the stone. In Emperor, business, marriage or friendship, the seal’s red impression is as intimate and enduring as the arms that close around someone you cherish.

Stamped Unity

Seal Carving Technique

The history of seal engraving can be traced back to the Shang Dynasty, spanning over 3000 years. In Hong Kong, documented records of seal engraving date back to the late Qing Dynasty. After a critical period of development and peak prominence from the 1940s to the 1980s, it has become a significant stronghold for the inheritance of South China seal studies culture and is recognized as one of Hong Kong's intangible cultural heritage.

Seal carving is also known as "seal script carving", since the Chinese character on a seal is carved in seal script. This craft uses Chinese characters as its medium, primarily employing large seal script and small seal script, integrating calligraphy, composition, and knife techniques within a compact space. Common materials for seal carving include stone, ox horn, and wood, with techniques involving trimming, chiselling, and carving.

In summary, the art of seal carving is not only an important intangible cultural heritage of Hong Kong but also a vital tradition that connects history and art.

Nicolas Lesaffre

A Hong Kong-based original toy designer, as well as an IP creator and renowned animation director. His original Art toy character ‘HUG the K’ has been exhibited and collaborated on various large-scale events in China, Hong Kong, Thailand, and Indonesia. Nicolas is highly creative, and the surreal IP and animation scenes he creates are filled with eye-catching elements and striking characters, offering a fresh and unique visual experience.

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Disclaimer: The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region provides funding support to the project only, and does not otherwise take part in the project. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in these materials/events (or by members of the project team) are those of the project organisers only and do not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, the CreateSmart Initiative Secretariat or the CreateSmart Initiative Vetting Committee.

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