Meet Laurent Long – a Frenchman whose love for Chinese characters has carved him into history ✨. The 42-year-old Paris native became the first foreign member in 100 years to join China’s prestigious Xiling Society of Seal Arts, breathing new life into an ancient craft. 🖌️
A French Love Affair with Hanzi
Long’s journey began when he stumbled upon a 2,000-year-old Chinese dictionary during his studies. \"The strokes felt like dancing poetry,\" he recalls. Fast-forward two decades: his hand-carved seals – used for stamping calligraphy and official documents – blend French precision with Shang Dynasty aesthetics (1600–1046 BCE). 🏛️
Breaking Cultural Barriers
Seal-cutting isn’t just art – it’s a language of trust in Chinese culture. \"Each seal is a promise,\" Long explains. His induction into the Xiling Society (founded 1904) marks a milestone in cross-cultural exchange, with members praising his \"respect for tradition meets bold innovation.\" 🤝
Today, Long teaches workshops from Hangzhou to Lyon, proving that ancient crafts can thrive in our TikTok era 📱💎. \"Seals are China’s original NFTs – unique, timeless, and full of stories,\" he laughs. Want to try? His tip: \"Start with soapstone and let the characters guide your blade.\" 🔍
