RAYMOND CHOW KAI-KIN
Interest in, and appreciation
of, the fine art of signet carving are growing in the seemingly "cultural desert" of Hong Kong. More and more people
are investing time and effort to learn this unique art form. In a move to complement his artistic
trend, the supremo of Bird-Insect signet carving in Hong Kong is nurturing a school of following of his own.
Born in Hong Kong in 1955, Mr.Raymond
Chow Kai-kin is the most skillful Bird-Insect signet carving artist ever graduated from the class of Advanced
Studies in Carving of the Hong Kong Chinese University back in 1973.
Mr. Chow has spent more than 20 fruitful years in channelling his creative and artistic soul in studying and cultivating his skills in the art of
signet carving,particularly the Bird-Insect calligraphy (shown on left). This unique art form occupies an important chapter in the history of
signet carving research, being a refined expression of beauty embodied in an ancient style
of calligraphy dated back to the Qin and Han Dynasties. Its crooked strokes resemble the
shapes of fish and the heads of birds. Thus, the origin of its name, the Bird-Insect calligraphy.
Another distinguished characteristic of this art
form derives from Mr.Chow's ability to add strokes
to the calligraphy without ruining the original
carving work. Such flexibility and rich variety in
artistic expressions ensure that each piece of completed work is a masterpiece,
something which common calligraphic forms cannot achieve.
In his strife to push the artistic expressions and the contemporary appreciation
of Bird-Insect Signet Carving to new heights, he has endured much difficulty.
However, he has been amply rewarded for his relentless sincerity and
unfailing
effort when he magnificently introduced his favourite art form to the
world
through numerous interviews conducted by Hong Kong and Japanese television
stations, and newspapers and magazines such as "Japan Post", "Hong Kong Post",
"C&L Information Magazine", etc. his students include some famous Japanese
singers and film stars such as Otanimmami, Kawaainahoko and Hafumoyai, who
have
expressed their admiration for his skills and
talents.
The contribution that Mr. Chow makes
to the folk art of China is inestimable. In
recent years, his works of Bird-Insect signet carving has begun a new era
in the
art of carving on Shoushan Stones from
China.
The art lover relishes the eternal
spring,
Expressions come from within my artistic soul.
Singing a flowing and beautiful tune,
From the rich and fertile orchard of my
heart.
1997 All Rights Reserved
Flying Dragon Productions, Hong Kong 1997 All Rights Reserved