A Wide Selection of "Calligraphy Seal Stamps & Seal Engraving Tools"
The seal stamp becomes part of the artwork. Engraving your own seal expands the joy of calligraphy even further.
While ordering a custom-made seal is one option, many prefer the satisfaction of creating their own.
At Shoyu Online, we offer a wide variety of seal engraving tools to support your seal engraving journey.
A Rich Selection of Seal Materials
Shoyu Online offers 15 types of seal materials, allowing you to choose according to your personal style.
Seal Engraving Tools ColumnSumi Column
How to Use the Tools
How to Use the Ink Ruler (Inku)
The ink ruler is a tool that acts like a guide to ensure the seal is stamped precisely where you want it.
① Once you finish your work and signature, the next step is stamping the seal.
First, create an "In’ei" (seal impression cutout).
"In’ei" refers to pressing the seal onto the same paper used for the work, then cutting out its shape.
This cutout is used to determine the position where the seal will be stamped.
② Place the "In’ei" on the work to decide the stamping position.
Try placing it in different spots, then step back to view the whole work and find where the seal fits best.
※ The “perfect spot” for the seal will naturally become clear with experience. Learn by observing various works and taking advice from teachers and seniors. With repeated practice, you’ll eventually be able to decide the seal position even before finishing your work.
③ Once the position is decided,
without moving the "In’ei," prepare the "Inku" (ink ruler).
Carefully align the ink ruler with the cutout shape while keeping the "In’ei" steady.
From this point, make sure the ruler does not move, otherwise all your careful positioning will be wasted.
④ While making sure the ink ruler doesn’t slip, remove the "In’ei."
Apply seal paste (In’nai) to the seal.
※ For correct usage of seal paste, please refer to the instructions on "How to Use Seal Paste."
⑤ Now, it’s time to stamp.
Hold the ruler firmly with your left hand so it doesn’t move, and press the seal with your right hand, guiding it along the edge of the ruler.
※ Be careful not to let the ruler shift even after stamping.
If the impression is too faint, you can reapply the paste and stamp again in the same position.
※ Did you know the ink ruler has a front and back side?
That’s right. One side is beveled and the other is not.
Contrary to what you might think, the beveled side is actually the side that touches the artwork, while the flat side is for pressing with your hand.
Some products are beveled on both sides, which is a nice feature. If the un-beveled side touches the work, the paste may smear when removing the seal from the ruler.
To prevent this, the side that touches the work is beveled.
From this, you can see why a certain weight is necessary for the ink ruler.
While many types are available at calligraphy supply stores, Shoyu NET offers ink rulers with even more distinctive features.
■ Highly recommended are "Brass Ink Rulers" and "Ebony" types that become more charming the more you use them.
