‘Luò kuǎn’ refers to the signature, seal, or colophon placed at the end of a traditional Chinese painting, calligraphy scroll, or literary text. It typically includes the artist’s or author’s name, date, location, and sometimes a short poetic phrase or studio name. The character 落 (luò) means 'to fall' or 'to place', suggesting the act of deliberately adding something at the end; 款 (kuǎn) originally meant 'a section' or 'inscription', and in this context denotes a formal, stylistic marking. Together, they convey the idea of 'placing an inscription' — a culturally significant act that authenticates, personalizes, and completes the work.

This term is used almost exclusively in artistic, scholarly, or antique contexts — never for modern digital documents or casual handwriting. It carries connotations of tradition, authority, and aesthetic intentionality. A well-executed luò kuǎn follows strict conventions regarding placement, size, and relationship to the main composition, reflecting the creator’s training and respect for classical norms.