Liao began studying woodcarving with a master carver at the age of 14, shifting to focus on the carving of stone seals at 20. His 45 years of carving intricate designs and patterns on the bodies of stamps has resulted in over 5,000 seals, some of which have been sold overseas.
It is important to pick stones with special characteristics that will complement the carving to be carried out on them, Liao said, adding that this will give the final product a life of its own. Carvers of stone seals must have a keen eye in selecting appropriate stones. His completed works are examples of perfection in carving as well as in picking the right materials.
Of the two sects of carvers who carve Shoushan stone, the eastern school stresses the carving of specific forms and features more intricate handiwork, with the ultimate work resembling the actual item that serves as the theme. The western school, on the other hand, stresses a more spiritual resemblance, resulting in a livelier, more abstract feeling. These seals display a high level of harmony and abundant charm.
Liao gained a strong understanding of both schools in his woodcarving training, smoothly blending them in his carvings and giving his chops a unique style that has been highly lauded by the previous generation of masters, including Tai Jing-nong and Wang Zhuang-wei.
Although the colorful stones Liao uses for his carvings are not especially valuable, their prices multiply after Liao's adept hands take to the faces of the stone seals. Liao's carvings have been auctioned for many hundreds of thousands of NT dollars recently, partly because his output has dropped significantly. Last year, he only carved one item, and so far this year he has only carved four. Collectors in Taiwan and overseas snap up his works as soon as they are completed.
Liao noted that ornately carved seals are quite popular among collectors, but laments the shortage of young people willing to take up this art, adding that it is mainly because they do not have the patience to undergo the long period of training and practice.
(This article originally appeared in “The Liberty Times” April 11.)