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Hello! I have a large collection of Chinese scrolls and was wondering if there was a good source available for identifying Chinese artist seals from the 19th to 20th century.

I have found references to a few books but they were very expensive and mostly before 1800. Any guidance is appreciated!

To achieve a serious understanding and even to be able to tackle authentication of Chinese paintings a year long devotion to the subject, a serious interest in calligraphy (including writing practise) and the study of paintings in books and exhibitions is the base. And still in my experience there is always counting the saying that 3 experts will have 3 opinions. Unfortunately often without a proper reasoning.
If you came into a collection and want to know what to think about it, you could post a few pics here and you might get a feedback that will help you to understand how serious you need to take it.


peter

For those who can read Chinese characters I recommend the following two works
①
Only in Chinese
近現代書畫家款印綜汇
上海書畫出版社　2002
(A Comprehensive Collection of Modern and Contemporary Painters Seals and Signatures,
Painting and Calligraphy Publishing　House Shanghai
1306 pages in 2 vols, ca. 8 lb.
Original price was RMB 380, current price is about RMB 500, in Chinese secondhand bookshops ca RMB 300)

➁
Only in Chinese,
二十世纪中国书画家印款辞典（上下)
世界图书出版西安公司 2001
(Twentieth Century Chinese Calligraphers and Painters Seal and Signature Dictionary
World Book Publishing, Xi'an
In 2 vols, 1639 pages ca. 12 lb.
Chinese secondhand bookshop price ca. RMB 300

With regards,
I.Nagy

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