Research

While the typography process and innovation was making strides in Europe, it only developed the act of printing nearly 600 years after its predecessor in China. After the invention of paper, the Chinese followed suit with printing and their innovation spread throughout east Asia. Typography with movable type was invented by Bi Sheng in (990–1051) Song Dynasty China before his western equivalent Johannes Gutenberg, who was widely know for to invent the technology in the 15th century. Sheng’s version only manufactured after a prototype by Wang Shen made from wood, which was durable but characters were easily worn down in comparison to Bi Sheng’s ceramic and clay printing. This was the woodblock printing method that preceded the moveable type we still use today. After Metal versions became wide-spread, it was also produced in Korea and Bronze were used after ~1000 in China.. This method differed from xylography in how the different characters could be placed individually. Instead of spreading paper over a large wooden block, it was almost the reverse in how the smaller tools were stamped. As previously mentioned in the lecture summary, the revolving type case also originated the “Lazy Susan” that we see used in Chinese restaurants today. In addition to these individual stamps, China also developed a individualized seal attributed to families. It was an amazing development that allowed signatures to be printed easily and effectively. Which were tools that made impressions for documents, both official and private as well as art. Today, there are many usages for seals. Some simply denote a person’s given birth name, while others include another such as a name given in adulthood. Furthermore, there are simplified word seals, containing a single kanji character and can even contain a person’s birthplace. While these have been used historically for serious purposes, over time people have exercised their creativity and liberty with “Free Seals”. These seals can contain images, such as the Chinese zodiac animals, proverbs, and be used as a lucky charm. As an extension of this, the seal can be placed over a closed package or letter as a charm that assures safe travel to the recipient. The last type of seal in the studio seal and are more rectangular in shape. These seals can be used for any type or studio, body or company, including companies. Artists often use these seals for pen names or aliases and can be stylized with images. Other seals can be used for book keeping and labeling for convenience.

Bibliography:

http://www.historygraphicdesign.com/a-graphic-renaissance/printing-comes-to-europe/827-typography-2https://www.chinatravel.com/facts/chinese-seal.htm

https://www.artisticchinesecreations.com/chinesezodiac-sealstamps.html