A seal’s carved face and its printed impression are related but not identical views of the lettering. Yamanashi’s Koshu hand-carved-seal account separates choosing the script, laying out the face and writing reversed characters before cutting.
Technique and structure
After the design is drawn on paper, ji-wari assigns the lettering’s placement and proportions. Ji-ire then writes the characters in reverse directly on the seal face. Rough carving uses a kitei-to with the thumb as a lever; later finishing refines the letters with a hansashi-to. The last listed operation makes an impression and corrects defects. Layout, cutting and the test impression therefore provide different checks on the same intended result; the carving is not judged only as a picture on the tool.
Describe the work, not a legal status
The prefecture lists several uses for these seals, but this guide explains the making process. It does not establish whether an individual seal will be accepted by a bank or public office. The craft name also does not identify the material of a particular example.
For international readers
Confirm the actual material and intended use with the maker and relevant institution. No legal acceptance or export eligibility is inferred from this craft reference.
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日本語
甲州手彫印章：逆文字を彫り、印影で確かめる
甲州手彫印章では、紙の印稿、文字を配置する字割、印面へ逆文字を書く字入を分けます。起底刀での荒彫り、判差刀での仕上げの後、捺印して不備を修正する工程があります。彫った面と印影を対応させる技法の解説であり、金融機関等での受理や輸出可否を保証するものではありません。