The Tiannan Epigraphy Society And Huang Wenkuan

Huang Wenkuan(1910-1989),a modern seal engraver in Guangdong Province,is known by scholars as the “Modern Master of Seal Carving in Guangzhou” and the “Godfather of Seal Carving in Southern Guangdong” based on his artistic and educational achievements in his life.As a seal engraver,Huang’s most outstanding characteristic lied in his collection that was the richest in Southern Guangdong,and his art was cultivated by his collection.His long journey of collection began with the Tiannan Epigraphy Society,which he founded with his friends in his youth.The Tiannan Epigraphy Society was founded in about 1934 and dissolved in or before October 1938.Huang Wenkuan and Xie Yingbo(1882-1939),Chen Danian(1880-1969)who were people of letters with the background of epigraphy were the crucial members to promote the establishment of the Society.The Tiannan Epigraphy Society was founded on epigraphy,which was contrary to the trend when archaeology was spread to the Orient and the discipline was refined.The appearance of the Tiannan Epigraphy Society reflected the existing state of epigraphy at that time.Huang Wenkuan led the Society forward with his enthusiasm out of his interest in epigraphy as a young man in the Society.At the same time,there were all kinds of learning resources brought by the predecessors.In the various interactive exchanges,all members in the Tiannan Epigraphy Society gained a cultural promoting.And more importantly,the experience in the Tiannan Epigraphy Society led Huang to find his own method of learning seal carving: promote learning through collection.He broadened his horizons through collection,and his ability to carve was thus enhanced by the improvement of his insight and the utilization of his collection resources.“Collection” and“learning” complemented each other.Among the Society,the greatest achievement in the art of seal carving is made by Huang.His art of seal carving art melted the styles of various schools and separated the wheat from the chaff.Also,using his unique method of using graver,his carving attained the appearance of masculine and abundant spirit,which presented a vigorous style.This essay is titled “The Tiannan Epigraphy Society and Huang Wenkuan”,which combines historical,cultural and artistic perspectives and so on.Through methods such as literature research,graphic filing and visual analysis,it aims to explore the history of the Tiannan Epigraphy Society and focus on Huang’s deeds in the Society,including the aspects of his research and collection of epigraphy,poetry,seal carving and so forth.Besides,the essay investigates the influence of the Tiannan Epigraphy Society on Huang’s art of seal carving,thus analyzes Huang’s concept of seal carving and the artistic characteristics of his seal carving.It summarizes the value and significance of Huang Wenkuan and the Tiannan Epigraphy Society to the modern field of seal carving in Lingnan.It is hoped that this paper will shed light on later researches on Lingnan seal studies.