This year we had a focussed group of participants putting all their energy into seal engraving at our afternoon Japanese Tenkoku stamp making workshop. Employing traditional materials and techniques that Blair learned over the years from senseis in Japan, the group was able to get the feel of the fundamental methods to carve their individual stamp. They then enjoyed the enthralling stage of stamping their inei 印影 stamp impression on calligraphy paper.

There were various choices of kanji made by the participants, as well as katakana and also purely visual designs, some complex and others of a single character. Blair helped each participant where needed to create their design, primarily using tensho and inten stamp making styles, with some choosing names and personal interests, as well as guiding the transfer of the designs onto the pyrophyllite stones.

Blair gave demonstrations of carving and stamping, as well as outlined the history of Tenkoku 篆刻, and detailed examples of physical calligraphy and artworks using stamps, such as in the rakkan 落款signature and seal area. We also looked at different sizes of intricately carved Japanese stamps to open up a deeper understanding of the process.

It was great to see the participants busily working on their designs on paper and then stone seals, and we thank them for their earnest participation and hope they enjoy using their newly carved seals in future!

At our June Japanese Tenkoku stamp making workshop we had a lively group of enthusiastic carvers and busy stampers! This was a full afternoon session creating unique seals from scratch – forgive the Tenkoku pun! Everyone was able to cover the essential techniques of this age old East Asian craft, complete their seal and feel the excitement when making their own inei 印影 impression on Japanese calligraphy paper.

Blair talked about the history of Tenkoku 篆刻, showing physical examples of stamps used by his teachers in Japan and detailing the traditional tools and materials. He then helped guide each participant with their individual design, choosing kanji to match their names or fascinating visual or literary ideas and interests, and advising in how to work in the inten or tensho stamp making styles.

We could tell it was an energetic and experimental session by the amount of activity and materials on the work tables! Thanks to the participants for making the group a fabulous afternoon and we hope you will delight in stamping with your own seal, and come up with more ideas for future stamp designs.

Well done to engage so deeply in the Tenkoku tradition, completing such a variety of excellent designs, from names related to boats and water to heavenly gardens and imagery of flowers and people. Thanks to participants for sharing some of their images from the afternoon.

Thanks to participant Elaine (https://www.instagram.com/scottishpolishlass/) for kindly providing fantastic photos!