Stone Seals, 18th-19th century, 2 1/4 x 1 3/4 x 1 3/4 in. ( x x cm), Nephrite (jade) and soapstone, China, 18th-19th century, Used by literati to impress their personal marks on documents and works of art, seals were among the most important scholar's implements. The literati often carved the legends themselves. Bronze and jade were commonly used for seals before the Yuan dynasty (1280–1368), but these materials proved too hard to be carved by anyone but professionals. In the Ming dynasty, soapstone became the preferred material of the literati.

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Photo credit: © Penta Springs / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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