Chinese Seals

Chinese Seals Overview & Map Weather Transportation Information

A Chinese seal is a seal or stamp containing Chinese characters typically used in East Asia to prove identity on documents, contracts, art, or similar items where authorship is considered important.

History

Origin

Chinese seal engraving can be traced back to more than 3,000 years ago to the Shang Dynasty when the inscriptions on tortoise shells and bronze were available for recording happenings and ideas of human being. The use of seals in China originated during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States Periods. There was a need for a formal system to record and preserve records of economic, military, and administrative functions. The early Chinese seals were in the form of engraved pictographic characters and simple decorative patterns. From archeological finds, bronze seals engraved with pictographic characters are known to have existed in the Shang Dynasty. Some of those crudely made seals, though not matured in a high art form, are indicative of the simplicity of beauty found in early civilization of China.

Development

The development of Chinese seals, either from function or artistic forms, went on from craftspeople and artisans to the emperors and all walks of life.

Types

Chinese seals can be divided into three kinds: Imperial seals, Official seals, and Private seals.

• Imperial seals
  

Until the end of Warring States period (BCE 403-221), there was only one way of calling seals, both official and private, regardless of their use and material. This name was xi, which in the following periods gradually became the designation for imperial seals. According to the History of Tang dynasty, Empress Wu (634-705) issued an order to change the word xi, which was up until then used for imperial seals, to bao (treasure). Apparently, she disliked the fact that the word xi was close in sound to the si (death). But when Emperor Zhongzong resumed the throne in 705, he changed the name for imperial seals back to xi. In subsequent centuries the two words were alternated, depending on the period.
At the time of the Han dynasty, the emperor had six seals, during the Tang he had eight, during the Ming over a dozen, and by the time of the Qing, there were several dozens of official imperial seals. The inscription on these official seals usually refers to receiving the Mandate of Heaven or being the successor of Heaven.
Another type of imperial seal was a seal that the emperor used to indicate that a certain document was written in his own handwriting. Emperor Qianlong (1736-1795) for example, was famous for his literary ambitions, including calligraphy, and had produced a large amount of texts affixed with his seal. When his calligraphy was carved into stone steles, the seal was copied onto the surface of the stone too.
Yet another seal was used by the emperors to appraise and appreciate art. It was customary for collectors and connoisseurs of art to affix their seals on the surface of a scroll of painting or calligraphy. The paintings acquired by the imperial household were affixed by the imperial seal. Many famous paintings from the Forbidden City have seals of generations of subsequent emperors on them.

• Official seals
  

Official seals have been conferred to officials as a token of their office and authority. These seals were usually small enough to be carried on the official's belt. There were regulations as to the material and shape of the handle of these seals: some had to be golden, some copper, some with a handle in the shape of a turtle, some of a camel. Up to the Eastern Han dynasty (25-330), the color of ink used to affix official seals was regulated depending on the position of the owner; some officials had to use green ink, some purple, some yellow etc.
The calligraphy of the inscription had changed a great deal over the long span of Chinese history. Approaching the Han dynasty, the characters on the seal inscriptions tend to become thicker and more angular. From the Sui dynasty (581-618), they become rounded and thinner, and during the Song and Yuan periods we can witness the spectacular jiudie (nine-folded) script. In the Qing period, most official seals are bilingual with the Chinese inscription on the right side and the Manchu on the left.

• Private seals
  

Private seals were not regulated by the governments and therefore they had the largest variety in content, shape, size, material and calligraphy styles. Despite of their varied characteristics, they can still be categorized based on their uses.
Seals with names, pen names, pseudonyms, and etc on them were used as a signature by people in their private life. This is how artists signed their works and letters. Chinese literati commonly used a number of different pen names. So identifying an artist's name from a seal can be a profound skill.
Collector's Seals were mainly used for the purpose of authenticating pieces of art. Thus a seal of a famous collector or connoisseur would become an integral part of a work of art and could substantially raise its value. Thus in the course of several centuries, some Chinese paintings became covered by a dozen of different seals.
The rest of private seals can be conveniently categorized as "Leisure Seals". The inscription on these seals is usually a short phrase quoted from a poem or saying that the seal owner thought was poetic or meaningful.

The 'Seal' of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games

Every emblem of the Olympics tells a story. The Beijing 2008 Olympic Games emblem "Chinese Seal, Dancing Beijing" is filled with Beijing's hospitality and hopes, and carries the city's commitment to the world.

Chinese Seals Highlights

Chinese Seals Highlights Related

Beijing 2008 Olympic Games attraction highlights

First time had Beijing ever held the Olympic Games, what a great honor and joy! For so many years Beijing and China has been making great effort to get the chance to hold this world's event, and now it's time to make the dream come true.

• Beijing

• National Aquatics Center
• Bird's nest, the National Stadium
• Sports Venues for '08 Beijing Olympic Games
• Tianjin Olympic Center Stadium

Chinese Seals FAQ & Travelers's Tips

1. Is it convenient to pay by Credit Card when shopping?
2. Can I pay by cash?
3. Can I bargain when I want to buy some goods?
4. Do I need to compare the prices of several stores when I want to buy one item?
5. How to avoid cheating?
6. Is it safe shopping in China nowadays?
7. What is archway? What is archway used for?
8. What do I need to pay special attention to before I pay for the goods?
9. Is it a must for me to inspect my goods specially?
10. What must I do before I leave the Shopping Mall?
11. Who can I turn to for help when disputes occur?
12. Is it possible to get a refund if I am unsatisfied with what I bought?
13. How to choose what to buy when shopping?
14. What are your first choices when shopping?
15. Weather the tax of anything you buy overseas can be refunded?
16. How can I take the antiques that I bought in China?

1. Is it convenient to pay by Credit Card when shopping?

   Most city shops in china accept credit cards. Check the credit card slip before signing it and remember to take your receipt. Credit card companies and/or banks issuing the cards may charge a currency-exchange fee on overseas purchases. Please check with your credit card issuer for further details.




2. Can I pay by cash?

   Yes. RMB is accepted in local stores. Money exchange businesses are available on the streets. But it is not convenient to carry with a large amount of crash.




3. Can I bargain when I want to buy some goods?

   For those who want to go shopping for souvenirs to take home, they can look around, apart from large department stores and shopping malls, in some of the open markets such as the Xiushui Street (Silk Street) and Panjiayuan Antique Market in Beijing. Unlike large department stores where the prices are fixed, these places are where you can and you must bargain. Your local tour guides or hosts are the best help when you go to these places. They will prove be helpful in finding the real stuff and beating the prices down!




4. Do I need to compare the prices of several stores when I want to buy one item?

   Don't purchase something at the first place you find it, no matter how good the deal sounds. Go to several stores and ask for their price on the same goods. If you tell them you found the goods for a better price at another store, they are usually willing to negotiate the price with you. After looking at the same goods at different shops, you will have a better idea of what is available and the right price for the goods. This will allow you to bargain better and get the best value for your money.




5. How to avoid cheating?

   Avoid Bait and Switch Tactics. Some merchants display ambiguous prices or request a deposit on goods only to claim later that only an inferior or more expensive goods is available. In order to avoid these bait and switch tactics, be sure to shop at outlets where goods price is clearly displayed. You should also compare prices to get a better idea of the goods's price and features before purchasing it. You should also verify and understand exactly what you are buying and what the price covers. You also can get help from the local tour guides.




6. Is it safe shopping in China nowadays?

   Shopping in most cities of China nowadays should be a pleasant and rewarding experience. To ensure that visitors return home satisfied, China Tourism Board evaluates shops and restaurants using the Quality Tourism Services Scheme. Goods sold at accredited establishments are guaranteed to be genuine and of high quality.




7. Can you give some examples about the notices when I do shopping in some cities of China?

   Make sure you know what you want in terms of models, features, price and accessories, especially when you buy some costly goods. When you buy Chinese medicine and dried seafood, please check the goods's unit price and the method used to measure the weight of the goods. If you have any queries about prices please contact the Consumer Council, wholesaler or agent, or visit the manufacturer's showroom for further goods information.




8. What do I need to pay special attention to before I pay for the goods?

   Please make sure that the goods are in your hand before cash on the table. Many shops cater to the fact that tourists do not know what they are doing. When you are purchasing goods, make sure you ask for the case that the goods came with, and check the boxes to make sure the goods you are buying are indeed the same thing.




9. Is it a must for me to inspect my goods specially?

   Yes. Check the goods before paying and make sure you have all the accessories that should be included. Check the goods you have bought again before you leave the store.




10. What must I do before I leave the Shopping Mall?

    Check Your Receipts. You should always get a sales receipt (street stalls sometimes do not provide them). Check to ensure that all details and verbal agreements are fully listed on the sales receipt. Make sure the goods details listed match the goods you have bought.

11. Who can I turn to for help when disputes occur?

    If you have any problems, you can call the local Tourism Authority or the Consumer Association for help. The travelers also can lodge a complaint to the local Consumer Association or the Court.




12. Is it possible to get a refund if I am unsatisfied with what I bought?

    The large department stores or shopping malls in China promise a refund if tourists are not satisfied with the goods within two weeks. If you buy some goods from some of the open markets, you will not have chance to refund.




13. How to choose what to buy when shopping?

    When shopping, travelers should buy stuff that are of local characteristics as souvenirs. They are authentic, under reasonable price and worthy of being bought by consumers. For example, the Longjing Tea in Hangzhou, coconuts in Hainan, local styled clothes in Yunnan, Khatag in Tibet, are all souvenirs to keep for yourself or gifts for friends and relatives.




14. What are your first choices when shopping?

    Stuff that are small and light are your first choice when doing shopping, because it is convenient to bring with. If consignment is needed, it is also necessary to know whether your goods are allowed to be consigned. Some goods are vert fragile; if they would be broken during the consignment, they would be even more unnecessary to buy.




15. Weather the tax of anything you buy overseas can be refunded?

    Only the tax of certain products can be refunded, which are products that are marked with "TaxRefund," "TaxFree," or "EuroFreeTax." Products that need refund must be bought 1 to 3 months before they leave China (the time limit is set according to each nation's laws). Products as follows can not enjoy a refund: alcohol and tobacco (because they can be found in refund stores), goods without taxes (such as fresh goods like raw meat), and goods that have already been used abroad. Products that are not carried with the passengers also can not enjoy a refund.




16. How can I take the antiques that I bought in China?

    When buying antiques, travelers need to buy antiques that have the permission from the State Cultural Relics Bureau (under the Ministry of Culture) so they can bring them abroad.