Mysteries of the Chinese Imperial Seal: Tracing the Splendid History of Chinese Treasures

Author: Du Kuisheng
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-01-01
Features: The term "bao xi" refers to the imperial seal or the emperor's great seal, akin to the national seal of a country today. The emperor's personal seal, however, is similar to the private seal of a national leader today. For example, "Qianlong's Treasure" is the personal seal or private seal of the Qianlong Emperor, belonging to a personal name seal, not an "official seal." "Bao xi" refers to a set of seals established by a dynasty according to a specific system, with a set of seals carved based on that system, which is used by whichever emperor rules, passed down from generation to generation, and often made of fine jade, hence also called the "National Jade Seal." The three essential elements of a seal are: a (a handle that can be held by hand), a (a loop that can be tied and worn), and reversed text or images (which can be stamped). These elements have evolved and progressed over time and through different dynasties.