Upcoming Events

A Reunion of Seals and Seal-Impression Albums: Joint Exhibition of the Chung Jam Hin and Shiqi Caotang Collections

Venue | Jao Tsung-I Academy of Sinology, Hong Kong Baptist University

(Level 7, Shaw Tower, Shaw Campus, 34 Renfrew Road, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong)

Registration | https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/vbu9fUNpYH

2026/5/4 | 10:30–12:00 | Putonghua

New Perspectives on Documentation Research: Viewing the Seal-Impression Albums and Seals of Chung Jam Hin and Shiqi Caotang

Speaker: Mr LING Xiang (Chief Editor of Yin Jian, Collector)

Abstract: As a branch of connoisseurship, the study of seal cataloguing has traditionally been regarded merely as a method for authenticating ancient artworks, without undergoing systematic and in-depth research in its own right. Compared to calligraphy and painting, seal engraving enjoys a unique advantage in cataloguing: the preservation and dissemination of seal works can be directly accomplished through impression rubbings and the compilation of seal catalogues. Thousands of extant seal catalogues provide a vast database for cataloguing research.

This lecture begins with the study of cataloguing in literati seal engraving, combined with selected exhibits from A Reunion of Seals and Seal-Impression Albums: Joint Exhibition of the Chung Jam Hin and Shiqi Caotang Collections. By examining the historical development and evolution of seal catalogues (cataloguing), the lecture analyzes the different types and characteristics of cataloguing, interprets the various functions and roles of cataloguing in authentication, and broadens the understanding of the concept, nature, and significance of cataloguing—establishing it as a perspective and method in art historical research.

2026/5/4 | 14:30–16:00 | Putonghua

A Casual Discussion on Newly Seen Albums of Recently Appeared Ancient Seals

Speaker: Professor SHI Xiejie (Professor, Centre for Research on Chinese Excavated Classics and Palaeography, Fudan University; Member of Xiling Seal Society)

Abstract: Since the 1980s, ancient seals have been continuously discovered and entered the market. With the revival of long-dormant private collecting activities, some collectors have begun compiling seal-impression albums based on their collections of ancient seals. Entering the new century, the enthusiasm for collecting ancient seals and compiling seal-impression albums has greatly increased. In just over twenty years, more than three hundred newly published privately collected seal-impression albums have appeared. These newly surfaced ancient seals have attracted attention from collectors both domestically and abroad. Seal-impression albums that possess documentary value, artistic value, and connoisseurship value have correspondingly gained increased recognition. This lecture will mainly discuss the cataloging status of newly discovered ancient seal-impression albums since this century and address several issues related to their content.

2026/5/5 | 10:30–12:00 | Putonghua

Historiographical Reflections on the Decipherment of Seal Inscriptions

Speaker: Dr SHI Jicheng (Associate Researcher, Centre for Research on Chinese Excavated Classics and Palaeography, Fudan University)

Abstract: Since the late Qing Dynasty, with the development of paleography and epigraphy, scholars have put forward numerous insights into the decipherment of seal inscriptions. Today, as excavated documents continue to emerge and disciplines such as paleography advance steadily, it has become necessary to systematically review previous research achievements and analyze their merits, limitations, and underlying causes. This lecture will adopt a historiographical perspective, offering some reflections on related issues.

2026/5/5 | 14:30–16:00 | Cantonese

Seal Engraving Creation and Research: A Case Study of Lingnan Artist Li Yinsang

Speaker: Mr ZHANG Jinfa (Master's Graduate, Institute of Ancient Texts Collation and Studies, Fudan University)

Abstract: During the late Qing and early Republic periods, Lingnan became a gathering place for epigraphers and seal engravers, gradually forming a regional artistic and academic community with distinctive local characteristics. Many of these seal engravers not only made significant contributions to epigraphy but also vigorously promoted the art of seal engraving. From the perspective of micro-history, this lecture takes Li Yinsang, a Lingnan seal engraver, as a case study to explore how seal engravers drew inspiration and techniques from ancient bronze and stone inscriptions, and on this basis, gradually developed their unique personal artistic styles.

HKBU students: For CCL attendance, please collect and complete the Co‐curricular Learning Evaluation Form onsite, and submit it into the collection box at the end of the lecture.

Note: A CCL-recognised event must be at least 1 hour long. Please observe the requirements if students wish to update the attendance record.