In ancient China,  seals were carved by hand out of expensive Jade or Ivory.  Nowadays, soft soapstone is commonly used.  Seals or Chops are either  hand carved by skilled artisans or by the artists or by the end user. Stone inscriptions and their uses vary.  Personal name seals are engraved with the individual's  name and are used to authenticate or sign paintings or to show ownership or approval.  In ancient China, collectors of paintings would add their seal to the artwork.  By looking at the seals, it is possible to observe the history of the transfer of ownership. Mood seals, such as tranquilly, harmony, joy, or love are used to help express the the sprit of the painting.  Other stones have beautiful sayings or proverbs.	: Learn from Nature "Let the wonders of nature inspire you and awaken your imagination.” is a saying that I wrote when I started my business, Palette of Nature Studio.  So when I discovered a beautiful soapstone hand carved into the shape of bamboo,  with the inscription " Learn From Nature"  on it, I realized that this would be a perfect seal for my artwork and business.  This seal nicely summarizes the essence of my painting experience and love for nature.    My Treasured Soapstone Collection and red ink.	My Name Seal: Show below, is one of my name seals that I use to sign my Chinese paintings.

 
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