Sealink Impression: A Modern Take on Traditional Seal Cutting

Revitalizing a Century-Old Art Form

Seal cutting, a traditional form of art that originated in China, has long been associated with conservatism and formality. However, the Dongdao Team has taken a fresh approach, infusing the art form with liveliness and tolerance. The design features the character 西泠君 (pronounced "xi ling jun"), a humble, friendly, and lovely mascot that embodies the spirit of Sealink Impression.

What sets Sealink Impression apart is its origin from the civic seal cutting society, a century-old art group founded in 1904. The challenge for the Dongdao Team was to preserve and revitalize this traditional art form while adapting to the fast-paced Internet era. The design successfully combines simplicity and elegance, creating a visual representation that reflects the perfect blend of tradition and modernity.

The use of the Chinese character 西 (pronounced "xi") forms the foundation of the design, with a relevant pattern created to provide a powerful yet delicate impression. The visuals capture the essence of Chinese aesthetics, with the image of a sunrise symbolizing a unique mood. The addition of limbs to the mascot brings it to life, while the use of Eastern characteristics in the eyes emphasizes the cultural origin.

Sealink Impression is realized through various techniques such as spot color printing, indentation method, thermoprint, embroidery, engraving, and branding. The materials used include rice paper, wood, bamboo, stone, cotton cloth, and ceramics, adding to the authenticity and craftsmanship of the design.

The Dongdao Team dedicated four months to bring Sealink Impression to life in Hangzhou, China. Throughout the design process, they overcame the challenge of balancing the traditional nature of seal cutting with the demands of the modern world. The result is a design that pays homage to the past while embracing the future.

Sealink Impression has been recognized for its creative ingenuity and outstanding design. It was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in 2016 in the category of Graphics, Illustration, and Visual Communication Design. This prestigious accolade is bestowed upon designs that exhibit strong technical and creative skills, contributing to quality of life improvements and making the world a better place.