The development of seal engraving theory during the Ming and Qing dynasties progressed rapidly compared to the millennia-long evolution of calligraphy theory and painting theory, reaching its peak within a remarkably short period. The advancement of seal theory was inseparable from the influence of calligraphy and painting theory, with the three disciplines reinforcing and complementing each other. Throughout the developmental process of seal theory, one unavoidable ideological thread has persisted across its entire history: retrospective thought. The retrospective thought contained within Qing Dynasty seal theory differs in interpretation and understanding from that of the Ming Dynasty. While it continued the retrospective ideals of Ming seal theory, it also introduced innovations due to differing historical contexts. This paper examines the continuation of the retrospective concept "modeling seals after Qin and Han" and the innovation of "integrating epigraphic elements into seal engraving" in Qing Dynasty seal theory, providing a clear analysis of the retrospective thought present during this period.
Lu Mingchao (Wed,) studied this question.