What Are Chinese Seals?

A Chinese seal is essentially a stamp or an engraved impression used to authenticate or mark a document, artwork, or official contract. Traditionally, seals are carved into materials such as stone, wood, bamboo, bone, or ceramic. To use a seal, it is dipped in red ink or cinnabar paste, and then pressed onto paper or another surface to leave an imprint.

The History of Chinese Seals

The story of Chinese seals dates back to 221 BC during the reign of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of a unified China. After unifying the warring states, Qin Shi Huang ordered the creation of the first imperial seal, crafted from beautiful white jade. Known as the “Xi” seal, it was reserved solely for imperial use and symbolized the emperor’s supreme authority.

Over the centuries, emperors from various dynasties continued the tradition of using seals, but the number of seals and their specific designs changed according to the ruling power.

By the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1912) dynasties, the use of seals expanded beyond the imperial court. Artists began carving personalized seals to mark their works, and individuals also started using their own seals for official documents and personal identification. These personal seals were called “Yin.”

The Art of Carving Chinese Seals

The process of carving a Chinese seal is a highly skilled art form that combines calligraphy, engraving, and artistry. The engraving on a seal’s face can include Chinese characters, figures, animals, landscapes, or symbolic motifs. Master engravers, known for their meticulous craftsmanship, use several calligraphy styles to create intricate designs that reflect both beauty and meaning.

There are two main styles of carving:

1. Relief Carving: The characters are carved into the material, leaving a red ink outline when the seal is stamped on paper.
2. Intaglio Carving: The material is carved away from the characters, leaving the characters in white amidst a red background when stamped.

Chinese seals can vary in shape and size, but typically consist of four key parts:

• Grip/Handle: The top portion of the seal, often used for inscriptions or decorative motifs.
• Body/Platform: The main part where the engraving occurs.
• Sides: The sides may be engraved with additional symbols or characters.
• Face: The surface used to make the impression.

Modern Use of Chinese Seals

While seals were once primarily reserved for royalty and scholars, they remain a vital part of Chinese culture today. Personal seals are used widely for a variety of purposes, including:

• Authentication: Seals are commonly used to mark important documents, including contracts and certificates. They serve as a secure form of identification alongside signatures.
• Artistic Marking: Chinese calligraphy works and paintings are often stamped with personalized seals to indicate ownership and authenticity.
• Business and Commerce: Business people and entrepreneurs use seals to authenticate their identity and demonstrate reliability in transactions.

Chinese seals continue to play a prominent role in the cultural and artistic realms, with calligraphy and seal carving considered traditional Chinese arts that are still practiced by artisans today.

Discover Chinese Seal Carving First-Hand

For those interested in experiencing the traditional craft of seal carving, there are plenty of opportunities to explore this art form in China. One of the best places to experience seal engraving is in Huangshan, where the famous ink factory on Tunxi Old Street offers visitors the chance to learn about the art and even create their own personalized seal.

HelloChinaTrip.com offers a 3-day Essence of Huangshan Tour, which includes a visit to the ink factory, where you can witness firsthand the intricate process of seal carving and take home a unique keepsake. This tour can also be combined with other travel packages to enhance your journey through China’s rich cultural history.