About
篆 is constructed with the semantic radical 竹 (zhú), meaning bamboo, and the phonetic component 彖 (tuàn). It refers to seal script, an ancient Chinese calligraphic style characterized by curved, elongated strokes, and also means to engrave or carve characters for seals or stamps. The bamboo radical reflects the historical use of bamboo slips for writing and bamboo or metal tools for carving before paper became common. Thus, the character links the materials and methods of early inscription with the specific art of cutting official seals from stone, wood, or jade for authenticating documents.
Etymology Hide
