諸多石材中，以壽山石最為印人所重視與喜愛。壽山石乃因地而名，石礦位於福建省福州市郊的壽山鄉，散佈在鄉間十幾公里方圓的群山溪野之間，其石質地溫潤、色彩斑斕，作為石雕材料有柔而易攻之優勢，據考證，壽山石雕刻始於南朝，距今已有1500多年的歷史。自此而後，吸引更多雕琢者、收藏者、鑑賞者、愛好者的參予，美石欣賞深入各個階層，形成一種文化氛圍，進而豐富壽山石的諸多內涵。
自從民間盛行石材治印以來，各地印石相繼開採，由於產量豐富，品類繁多，主要分為田坑、水坑和山坑三個大類。在數以百計的印石品種中，田黃石、芙蓉石、水坑石名冠諸石之首。按石質說，田黃溫潤、芙蓉細嫩、水坑堅實；按色澤論，田黃高貴、芙蓉潔凈、水坑謎樣。這些印石色澤多樣，黃、紅、白色均有，見光微透，石質柔細，光滑潔凈，清白明瑩者，正如潔身自好，不入俗世君子之風範，備受文人雅士的器重。
本館向以常民文物展出為主軸，印章自是其中一環。本次由中華印石藝術欣賞收藏協會所提供之田黃、芙蓉、水坑等三類石頭，石材精美，加上工藝創作者細心刻製，印石不單是實用之物還具有欣賞價值。此次展覽可以讓民眾欣賞到印石之美，也可以看到這一印材文化工藝的諸多美感。
Seals are a trusted tool used for the authentication of items of ownership. From government to personal use, seals can represent a person’s power, and function as a symbol of authentication in dealings among people. As private seals, studios seals, studies, associations, and various art forms such as paintings and poetry flourished during the Tang Dynasty, seals evolved beyond being just a tool of authentication and became a unique art in itself. It is both practical as a tool and enjoyable as an art, hence becoming a collectible for scholars and art lovers.
Among the many stones, Shou Shan stones are the most valued and sought after by stone seal makers. Scattered across mountains and rivers within a 10-plus kilometer radius of Shou Shan village in Fu Zhou County, Fu Jian Province, the Shou Shan stone is named after the location where it originated, The stone’s characteristics are its mild texture, variegated colors and suppleness, making it easy to carve. According to archeological records, sculptures made from Shou Shan stones began in the Southern Dynasties, approximately 1500 years ago. Since then, it has attracted many sculptors, collectors, and enthusiasts who appreciate the stone on many different levels, creating a cultural atmosphere and further enriching the stone’s value.
Since the popularization of using stones to produce seals, mining operations began in many places, resulting in an abundance of supply. The various types can be split into three main categories: Tian Keng, Shui Keng and Shan Keng. Among the hundreds of types within these three categories, the Tian Huang stone, Lotus stone, and Shui Keng stone are the most famous. In terms of the stones’ texture, Tian Huang stones are mild, Lotus stones are delicate, and Shui Keng stones are hard. In terms of their appearance, Tian Huang stones are elegant, Lotus stones are pure, and Shui Keng stones are mysteriously opaque. These seal stones display many different colors, including yellow, red and white. The opaque appearance, soft and smooth texture, and purity are the reasons why the stone is highly regarded by scholars and art lovers.
We often exhibit cultural items made by and for the general public, since seals are an important part of our daily lives . The Chinese Seal Stone Collectors Association (中華印石藝術收藏協會) has provided , for the exhibition itself , three exquisite stones: the Tian Huang, Lotus and Shui Keng, and combined with the sculptor’s exquisite carving skills. We have every reason to believe that this exhibition will not only allow the public to appreciate the beauty and elegance of seal stones, but also illustrate see the esthetics of the stones themselves.
