篆刻是一種傳統(tǒng)的藝術(shù)形式，因古代印章多采用篆書入印而得名。就制作工藝而言，它是指將在平面上設(shè)計好的紋樣或文字鐫刻在金屬、石頭、牙、角等材質(zhì)上。

Seal carving is a traditional form of art, named for the ancient custom of engraving seal script into seals. In terms of craftsmanship, it refers to carving designs or characters, which are first laid out on a flat surface, into materials such as metal, stone, ivory, or horn.

印章的材料，古代最多見的為銅質(zhì)，也有用金、銀、鐵、鉛、玉、水晶、陶泥。明清篆刻家印材多為葉蠟石，其中著名的有青田石中的各種凍石，壽山石中的田黃、田白，昌化石中的雞血石等。

In ancient times, copper was the most commonly used material for seals, but seals were also made from gold, silver, iron, lead, jade, crystal, and clay. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, seal carvers often used waxstone. Famous varieties include frozen stone from Qingtian, Tianhuang and Tianbai from Shoushan, and chicken blood stone from Changhua.

篆刻藝術(shù)作為國粹之一，經(jīng)歷了漫長的發(fā)展過程，形成了一以貫之、厚重的悠久傳統(tǒng)。其融萬千氣象于方寸之間，向為歷代文人墨客所鐘愛，或自篆自用，或饋贈文友，鈐記落款，觀賞把玩，可從中獲得無盡的審美愉悅和藝術(shù)享受。

As a treasure of Chinese culture, the art of seal carving has gone through a long development process, forming a rich and continuous tradition. It embodies vast expression within a small square space,beloved by generations of scholars and artists. It is carved for personal use or as gifts for literary friends. They're used to mark signatures, admired as art objects, or simply appreciated by hand, offering endless aesthetic pleasure and artistic enjoyment.

責(zé)編：劉冰