OK, now this is cool.

[gurdymonkey]

Granted, I know the kanji to generate my Japanese name, which are 西園寺花, but a lady of rank should probably have a seal.... http://www.chinese-tools.com/tools/seal.html

Possible versions,

         

The question is, can I carve one without slicing off a thumb?

EDIT: Having slept on the matter - as much as one can when one's body still thinks it's in another time zone and is stressing over Stoopid Work Tricks - #2 is my favorite.

Comments

[kareina.livejournal.com]

Do you know anyone with one of those hand-held rotary tools? I have one I inherited from my step-dad that came with a billion tiny bits. Since the shaft is on a flexible cable quite a good length from the heavy motor it is perfect for carving delicate details without damage to the carver--not even any strain in the wrist from holding it while you work. Not a period technique at all, but a fun one. I'd loan you mine, but the cost of air fare for you to get to it would buy you enough power tools to fill a workshop...

[kareina.livejournal.com]

Oh, and you didn't ask for comment on the possible seals, but for the record I am particularly fond of the latter two with their more angular points and corners.

[helblonde.livejournal.com]

#3 is quite attractive. The stone is quite soft, I believe.

[ladycelia.livejournal.com]

I like the first two--the more rounded ones.

[reynardine.livejournal.com]

1 and 2 are in the style of hanko (seals) that I've actually seen. The other two, not so much.

EDIT: Here is a YouTube video about carving hanko, including how designs are made.

How to carve hanko in soapstone, some basic instructions. There are many more options and mediums that can be used!

[eleryth.livejournal.com]

That's very neat! I shall have to play around with that website when I get home and can easily switch to Japanese font.

I like the first two; my favourite is the second one. I think these would be cool to use digitally, too (though I don't make any digital art).

[ppfuf.livejournal.com]

I've only tried it once, and wasn't very good at it, but soapstone is not too difficult to carve.

[gurdymonkey.livejournal.com]

#3 looks like calligraphy, #4 looks like print. The first two are much closer to the style generally used on seals.

[feyandstrange.livejournal.com]

One can get them made in Chinatown for a rather affordable price, last I checked (which was some time ago); they often have ones that are blank where the seal goes, but already featuring a handsome dragon or whatever on the other end. Plus the red stuff, although it may not be period red stuff. So you could buy one to carve yourself, or just have the experienced Chinese fellow do it for you.