The headquarters of Xiling Seal Art Society, a Hangzhou-based academic organization devoted to the art of seal carving, is located at Gushan Hill, West lake Scenic Area of Hangzhou, Zhejiang province. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]

Celebrating its 115th anniversary of establishment, Xiling Seal Art Society, a Hangzhou-based academic organization devoted to the art of seal carving, continues to fulfill its mission to inherit and develop Chinese traditional culture.

Founded in 1904, the society is the earliest Chinese society formed by specialists in seal engraving, calligraphy and painting.

Seen as a milestone of its remarkable progress over the decades, the celebration ceremony gathered more than 400 members from home and abroad, including Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan and South Korea on Nov 13.

Speaking at the ceremony, Zhou Jiangyong, Party secretary of Hangzhou, lauded the society's growing clout in the global art community, saying that Xiling Seal Art Society has developed into one of the world's most important traditional stone engraving associations.

As this year marks the 40th anniversary of China's reform and opening up, Xiling society will bear its missions, build on the progress and strive to become a golden name card for Hangzhou, according to Zhu Guantian, vice president of the society.

As part of the celebration, a themed exhibition featuring 700 pieces of traditional Chinese seals, paintings and calligraphy from members of the Xiling Seal Art Society was also held.

The exhibition lasts untill Nov 18.

A themed exhibition featuring 700 pieces of traditional Chinese seals, paintings and calligraphy from members of Xiling Seal Art Society is held in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, on Nov 13. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]

Visitors admire the exhibits of traditional Chinese seals, paintings and calligraphy at a themed exhibition of Xiling Seal Art Society in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, on Nov 13. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]