To welcome the Year of the Horse, Qian Gaochao, an inheritor of the national intangible cultural heritage of stone carving, crafted an exquisite seal centered on the horse, expressing his auspicious wishes for the New Year through masterful artistry.

The base of the square seal is inscribed with eight elegant verses praising the horse. Above it, a steed lies leisurely on its side, head slightly raised, its mane and musculature rendered in such fine detail that the figure appears almost lifelike.

Drawing inspiration from traditional ink painting, Master Qian produced dozens of sketches, carefully considering the horse’s form, before deciding to portray it lying down—a serene, reclining pose that conveys a sense of peaceful contentment.

Master Qian explains that traditional equine depictions often capture horses in motion—galloping or leaping—but within the square inch of the seal’s surface, the entire form must be “folded” into a compact space. The slightest imbalance in proportion can cause the legs to press against the edges, making this the most challenging part of the process.