Seal
About this object
History of use
Used as a stamp to imprint characters on documents, paintings etc., using a red ink made from a sticky vegetable dye. The use of seals originated in China. The seal is used in place of a personal signature or, in this case, possibly to show official origin or approval of documents.
Iconographic meaning
Dragon is symbol of emperor and eternity. Circle surrounded by flames is a pearlizing pure intentions, the heart of Buddha, feminine beauty and purity, as well as genius in obscurity.
Physical description
Rectangular seal made of a single piece of bronze with small loop handle at centre of the upper side, which has a raised design of four dragons, four clouds and two circles surrounded by flame patterns. On the underside are approximately fifty-nine raised characters in seal style. The surface of the bronze is a rough, uneven brown and black colour.
Materials
Date Made
Before 1953
Date Acquired
10 Jan 1977
How Acquired
Donated
Credit Line
Measurements
Overall: 1.8 cm x 7.4 cm
Object Number
Edz1004