The most important part of chop carving is the engraving of the stamping surface. To further increase the refinement and becauty of the chop design, chop engravers may, in addition to carving the stamping surface, create an elaborate sculpture on the top of the chop, or cut out a scene on the sides in shallow relief. Or they may sculpt a unique and breathtaking original design into the chop based on the natural grain and coloring of the stone used, further increasing the artistic value of the chop. The combination of two and three-dimensional art on a chop gives it special artistic depth and sophistication. Red ink paste is made from cinnabar, a mercuric compound.
Porcelain is the most ideal material for the ink paste container.
Ink paste must be frequently stirred with a stirrer so that the oil does not separate to the top, leaving dried out paste underneath. Those who take their chop implements seriously store the ink paste container in a wooden or satin tapestry box to protect the paste from accidental bumps or knocks. The art of chop carving is highly venerated in the Republic of China on Taiwan. Chops constitute an independent category in fine arts exhibitions, and classes in chop art are held in college and university art departments around the country. There is a privately administered Chop Engravers' Association of the Republic of China that puts out publications and holds lectures, seminars, and exhibitions to vigorously promote interest in this unique Chinese art.