The introduction hall of the exhibition. [Photo/Hangzhou Daily]

An exhibition celebrating the life and artistic legacy of renowned seal engraving master Han Deng'an (1905–76) is on display at the Xiaoshan Museum in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, through Oct 11, bringing the Xiaoshan-born artist's works back to his hometown.

Jointly organized by the Xiling Seal Engraver's Society and the Xiaoshan district bureau of culture, radio, television, tourism and sports, the exhibition presents more than 100 exhibits, including seal engravings, calligraphy, paintings, manuscripts, seal albums and archival materials. Together, they trace Han's artistic career, intellectual exchanges and enduring influence on modern Chinese seal engraving.

Seal engraving, or zhuanke, is a traditional Chinese art that involves carving characters onto stone, jade, or other materials to create seals. Han, a leading figure of the modern Zhe School of seal engraving, devoted nearly 50 years to the art. He created more than 20,000 seals while developing a distinctive style known for its refined craftsmanship and elegant red-ink inscriptions.

Born in Xiaoshan, Han studied under renowned seal engraver Wang Fu'an and became a member of the Xiling seal society in the early 1930s. During some of the society's most difficult years, he helped maintain its operations, played a key role in its revival and mentored a new generation of seal engravers, leaving a lasting mark on one of China's most influential artistic institutions.

This exhibition is the third installment of the Xiaoshan Museum's "Masters Return Home" series, which highlights artists with roots in Xiaoshan. A companion exhibition featuring ceramic seal works by Cai Luping is on view at the Maowanli Stamped Pottery Museum, while an academic symposium exploring Han's artistic achievements and legacy will be held later during the exhibition.

Visitors study Han's works. [Photo/Hangzhou Daily]