Chinese Seals

Chinese seal carvings are an ancient art that combines calligraphy and engraving. For over 3,000 years, they have been used both officially and privately. It is a seal or stamp containing Chinese characters typically to prove identity on documents office paperwork, contracts, art or similar items.

Chinese seals are typically made of stone, wood, bamboo, plastic, ivory, red ink and cinnabar paste. Chinese seal could date back to the Qin dynasty. It was originally used as an imperial seal used by the emperor. The royal seal was called Xi (which can literally be translated into "the imperial seal").

Private seals were used for non-official use by individuals as a personalized stamp. These non-official stamps were called Yin. They are naturally unregulated and show variety in content, shape, size, material and calligraphy. Artists created unique seals that will become identified as their Chinese signature stamp. There is a great deal of pride in finding a seal that is a unique and artistic expression of their work.

Related Reading