Red Artist Seal Chop Lesson

An artist’s seal or chop is a stamp used to print a special mark to identify the artist’s work. It is equivalent to a person’s signature. We made artist’s chops to go along with my middle school classes’ Sumi-e Scroll Painting. This project could be adapted to younger students by using Styrofoam sheets instead of carving out of vinyl or linoleum.

Objectives:

• Students will learn about the use of artist’s seals or chops in the Asian culture.
• Students will design & create their own artist chop.

Materials: vinyl eraser, linoleum carving tools/Exacto knife, red ink pads

Delivery:

1. An artist’s seal or chop is a stamp used to print a special mark to identify the artist’s work. It is equivalent to a person’s signature.
2. The design of the chop is often a symbol or the artist’s name (or both) that is printed directly onto a piece of artwork.
3. A chop is usually printed in bright red ink.
4. The use of the chop originated in the orient thousands of years ago (particularly used by the Chinese).
5. Chops are typically around the size of a finger. Larger chops called Jitsu in, are used for companies’ contracts & for individuals’ largest purchases, like cars & houses.
6. A chop is carved out of either soapstone, jade, or wood.

This one was made in China for my family “East” as a gift from my nephew!

Instructions:

1. Draw thumbnail sketches in your sketchbook of designs for your seal.
2. You may choose to make your seal any way you want-name, abstract design, animal, etc.
3. Draw the image backwards or mirror image so it will print correctly!!!
4. Draw your design in pencil onto the vinyl carving block (eraser).
5. Use linoleum carving tools/exacto knife to remove the “white” part of your design-where the paper will show through.
6. PRACTICE printing on scrap paper.
7. Print your seal onto your scroll using red ink (we usually use printmaking block ink).

Sumi-e Painting Lessons:

Sumi-e Painting History Lesson 1

Sumi-e Painting Techniques Lesson 2

Sumi-e Scroll Painting

More Info on Chops:

HOW TO MAKE AN ASIAN CHOP

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