My Little Hanko

In Japan, people do not sign their names, they use stamps, or seals called a Hanko.  Artists also use these special seals to sign their artwork.  I love to impress my Hanko onto my artwork – it is that special little finishing touch that is all mine.

My Hanko says, “Lorraine Bell Serendipity Studios.” 

Hankos are always printed using red ink – the ink comes in a little tin and is like a thick paste.  Too cool!  There are so many different types and styles of Hanko but the gentleman I purchased it from assured me that this was an “artist’s stamp.”  I love my little Hanko!

If you are looking for a Hanko of your very own, I found mine at Azami Press HERE.

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Comments

  1. Andrew Borloz

    This is cool. I have my own hanko, too – a marble one. At a crafts village in Japan, I had one hanko master draw a character on my marble hanko, and I carved it with the metal chisels provided. After I finished it, I gave it to the master and he examined & tested it thoroughly. He looked at it for what it seemed to me an eternity, and I was concerned that I might be doing something wrong. Someone told me that he was awestruck with the level of my carving quality especially when it’s done by a foreigner than a Japanese. I got a prize (red stamping ink) as the best carver within a group of Japanese tourists. It’s priceless!

    1. Lorraine Bell

      Andrew, you never cease to amaze me with your stories and experiences! I regret not getting to meet you in person that time you came to Florida! I am sure I could sit and listen to you tell of your journeys for hours! And by the way, I am not at all surprised by your Hanko-creating expertise!

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