Shodo Daisuki Episode 19
Shodo Daisuki Episode 18
How to Use Seal Paste Properly + Troubleshooting Tips!
Shodo Daisuki – Episode 18
In this video, Shimauchi from “Shodo Daisuki” explains the proper way to use seal paste and how to deal with common issues.
Shodo Daisuki Episode 18 – Video Summary
This episode offers a detailed explanation of how to use seal paste (indei). Seal paste is the red material used when stamping seals in calligraphy or seal engraving. The video covers everything from fundamental knowledge to practical application and troubleshooting.
Seal paste is mainly made from cinnabar (mercury(II) chloride), mixed with moxa and oil, and crafted with traditional techniques passed down through Chinese artisans. Seal pastes by Shanghai Shenlian Yishe are especially well-known, and three types were introduced: “Guangming,” featuring a bright and gentle vermilion color; “Yili,” a chic, dark red tone; and “Xianzu,” a glossy, vivid vermilion suitable for versatile use.
The video also explains how to use and maintain seal paste. In conclusion, Shimauchi highlights how the proper use of seal paste significantly impacts the final appearance of a calligraphy work and encourages viewers to apply the techniques learned.
Youtube Shodo Daisuki Episode 18
Shimauchi 00:00
Hello everyone, this is Shimauchi from Shodo Daisuki. Today I’d like to talk about how to use seal paste. When you hear “seal paste,” what comes to mind? Many people think of a red, sticky substance used for stamping seals—something that sticks to your fingers and is hard to remove.
Shimauchi 00:24
Some of you may say, “I’ve never stamped a seal myself—my calligraphy teacher always did it for me.” If so, you might not be familiar with the proper way to use it. So today, I’d like to explain how to use seal paste correctly, including some interesting background information.
Shimauchi 00:39
Seal paste is mainly made from a mineral called cinnabar—mercury(II) chloride—mixed with plant fibers called moxa and blended with oil. It is traditionally produced in China by artisans, and the exact recipe remains a closely guarded secret.
Shimauchi 00:54
There are many types and colors of seal paste, but those produced by Shanghai Shenlian Yishe are particularly famous. Today, I’ll introduce three varieties. First is “Guangming,” which has a bright vermilion color and gives a soft, gentle impression.
Shimauchi 01:15
Next is “Yili,” which is darker and more subdued than Guangming—a chic tone that works well with powerful or bold works. And finally, “Xianzu,” which has a glossy and vivid vermilion color. I personally find it highly versatile and suitable for many styles, including seal engraving.
Shimauchi 01:37
These three colors are just examples—there’s no rule that you must use them. Please choose whichever color suits your work or preference. Seal paste weight is measured in “ryo,” where 1 ryo is about 30 grams—so 10 ryo would be roughly 300 grams. It's an interesting traditional unit.
Shimauchi 01:57
Now, let’s move on to actual usage. Here we have a container of seal paste made by Shanghai Shenlian Yishe. This is a half-ryo portion of Guangming. When you open the container, you’ll find an inner lid, and beneath that, a plastic film covering the paste.
Shimauchi 02:14
You can use the paste as it is, but if you press directly onto the flat surface, it will quickly become uneven during use. Also, even if it appears flat, there is often subtle unevenness. Therefore, it’s best to prepare the paste before use.
Shimauchi 02:31
Here’s how to prepare it. Mix the paste using the spatula included in the container. Mixing prevents separation of the cinnabar and oil. It’s essential to mix them thoroughly—not just for usability but for consistency.
Shimauchi 02:48
After mixing, roll the paste into a ball. This creates multiple usable surfaces. Then take your seal and lightly apply the paste. Don't press too hard, or paste may enter the carved lines, preventing a clean impression.
Shimauchi 03:09
Lightly tap the seal onto the paste, checking to ensure you’ve applied enough. Once it looks evenly coated, prepare your tools for stamping: a firm base called an “ink” and a mat called an “inshi-dai.”
Shimauchi 03:30
Place the mat under your paper, then press the seal straight down onto the base with steady downward pressure. Even if the seal shifts slightly, aligning it again with the base helps with placement. Now let’s try stamping—press straight down…
Shimauchi 03:49
And release. Perfect—a clean impression!
Shimauchi 02:12
I displayed it in a prominent place in my home for a long time.
Then gradually, I began to feel the urge to carve again.
It’s strange, isn’t it? And then, the sealed seal-carving tools and materials…
Shimauchi 02:25
I thought maybe the tools were still somewhere in the house, so I searched hard for them.
When they appeared, I thought, “If the tools are here, maybe I really *can* carve again.”
From that moment, the feeling of wanting to carve again rushed ahead of me.
Shimauchi 02:42
That’s how I came to resume seal engraving again, and that leads to the present.
It’s the same with calligraphy—if you always keep things ready so you can write anytime, anywhere, then when the desire comes, you can immediately create a piece.
Shimauchi 02:58
People often say you can do it anytime, right?
So with seal engraving as well, I thought, “If I have the tools, I can do it.”
So today, I’d like to begin by explaining the tools.
Please take a look.
Shimauchi 03:14
First, about the seal materials. These include stone, wood, bamboo root, ivory, crystal, and so on.
Naturally, the easiest material to carve is stone. Other materials are also used as seal stones, though I didn’t know very much about them.
Shimauchi 03:33
Since they must be quite hard, special tools are definitely required to carve them.
In Japan, we don’t have particularly good stones, so most seal stones are imported from China.
As for the types of seal stones…
Shimauchi 03:50
They are broadly divided into four: “Shoushan stone,” “Qingtian stone,” “Changhua stone,” and “Balin stone.”
These are called the four great seal stones.
When practicing, what size is good? Well…
Shimauchi 04:10
About 2.4 cm, called “8 bu,” is common.
Or about 3 cm, known as “1 sun.” Something around this size works well.
Next is the most important tool—the carving knife (intō).
Shimauchi 04:30
There are double-edged knives (chūhō) like the one I’m holding, and single-edged knives (katabō).
For stone, the double-edged type is generally preferred.
This carving knife…
Shimauchi 04:47
Many people have strong preferences about their knives. There are many types, and finding one that suits your hand is part of the fun.
This carving knife is also known as a “teppitsu” (iron brush).
Shimauchi 04:59
Sounds cool, right? “Iron brush with spirit”—it gives the image of cutting strongly into stone.
Next is cinnabar ink (shuboku). This is used to create the seal drafts,
Shimauchi 05:18
and also when checking the seal surface.
The ink must adhere properly, so instead of bottled ink, you should use high-quality solid ink sticks.
As I’ve said many times in previous videos, solid ink is the strongest.
Shimauchi 05:35
So please grind a good solid ink stick thoroughly.
Also, choose a heavy, high-quality cinnabar ink if possible.
Next…
Shimauchi 05:51
You will need two small brushes (thin-tipped brushes).
Any country’s brush is fine, but choose one with a responsive, sharp tip.
The seal surface is small, so you must write fine characters clearly.
Shimauchi 06:07
So please prepare a small brush that is easy for *you* to use.
Next is the inkstone. Normally, you would need two inkstones, since you use both ink and cinnabar.
Shimauchi 06:24
But nowadays it’s convenient—we have compact “double-surface inkstones” like this.
These are very handy.
Next is the seal paste (in-dei), which we learned about last time.
Shimauchi 06:43
Without this, you cannot stamp the seal, so it’s an essential tool.
They come in various colors and sizes—it’s fun to choose.
Then we have the seal stand (injō). This is used to hold the stone firmly while carving.
Shimauchi 07:02
It’s made of relatively hard wood or material.
You *can* hold the stone in your hand and carve, but that’s dangerous—you could cut yourself.
With a seal stand, the stone is firmly secured.
Shimauchi 07:17
It’s useful both for carving and for checking your work.
Next, waterproof sandpaper. There are many types, but here I have coarse, medium, and very fine.
Shimauchi 07:34
Why do we use waterproof sandpaper? Many seal stones have scratches on the surface.
Also, the seal face is rarely perfectly flat. If it’s not level,
Shimauchi 07:48
you cannot stamp cleanly. So the first important task is to flatten and prepare the seal surface.
Waterproof sandpaper is essential.
Next is the transfer sheet.
Shimauchi 08:09
It’s thin but durable paper used for transferring the draft.
You draw your draft on the sheet with ink,
Shimauchi 08:30
apply water, press it onto the stone surface, and the ink transfers onto the stone.
That is what the transfer sheet is for.
Lastly, the dictionary.
Shimauchi 08:51
This is for looking up seal script characters when deciding what to carve.
Other small tools include a water dropper, used to add water when grinding ink;
then a ruler for aligning stamps;
Shimauchi 09:06
A felt pad to place under the paper when stamping;
a brush (even a toothbrush works) to sweep away stone dust;
Shimauchi 09:25
and finally, a cloth. It’s used to wipe away dirt or seal paste.
Tissues are fine, but a cloth is better.
Shimauchi 09:40
That was a quick overview of all the tools.
When we begin practical lessons, I’ll explain each item in more detail.
Shimauchi 09:54
I hope you’ll join me for those videos.
How was today’s lesson?
Once you gather these tools, they will last for a long time.
The cost performance is excellent.
Shimauchi 10:13
Some people hesitate because they think seal engraving requires too many tools.
If this video encourages those people, I’ll be very happy.
Next time is the practical lesson.
Shimauchi 10:29
Since this is a continuing series, please subscribe to the channel and watch the next part.
Thank you very much.
This was “Shodō Daisuki.” Please subscribe. See you next time.
