Laurent Long, a French artist with an enduring fascination for Chinese calligraphy, has become an unlikely cultural bridge between East and West. The Lyon-born seal carver recently made history as the first foreign member admitted to China's Xiling Society of Seal Arts in a century – a rare honor recognizing his mastery of the 3,700-year-old craft.
\"Each character tells a story,\" Long told MyGlobalNews, demonstrating how he transforms jade and soapstone into intricate seals using tools unchanged since the Han Dynasty. His work blends traditional techniques with modern aesthetics, attracting collectors across Europe and Asia.
The Xiling Society, founded in 1904 in Zhejiang province on the Chinese mainland, praised Long's \"authentic understanding of Chinese philosophy through tangible art.\" Social media tutorials from his Shanghai studio have drawn over 50,000 followers, with young creators comparing his approach to \"ancient Chinese NFTs.\"
Cultural analysts note Long's success reflects growing global interest in China's intangible heritage. The artist now leads workshops connecting seal carving with digital design – proving age-old traditions can find new life in the TikTok era.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
