"A heartfelt and a culturally meaningful piece."
-------- Review from Future Art & Design Award
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Project description
Emperor Seal
In the ancient Chinese Empire, every emperor possessed a precious stone stamp that symbolized their authority and power. This stamp was used to authenticate every order, ensuring its execution as decreed. Typically crafted from jade, the stamp featured intricate sculptures on top, each carrying unique symbolic meanings.
The Tiger symbolizes strength and bravery. It is believed to cast away evil spirits and protect the community. The word “Wong 王” on its forehead has the same pronunciation as “King 皇”. The tiger sleeping comfortably implies the stability of society. The plum blossom decoration on the tiger's body enhances the happy spirits.
The Fish “Yu 魚” has a pronunciation similar to “remain” “Yu 餘” in Chinese, symbolizing endless wealth, means country is prosperous.
The Wishful Knot represents hopes that everything goes smoothly and turns out for the best.
All symbolic artifacts sit on a square base, representing the ground, the country's foundation. The straight grooves symbolize rivers running down from all sides, implying immortality.
The seal stamps the word “Siu 笑” means smile, hope everyone is happy.
This art piece attempts to interpret the ancient seal in modern terms, retaining the myths and twisting them with humor to present the artist’s perspective.