Seal Item Number: Edz1004 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
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.
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.
Item History
- Made in China before 1953
- Collected between 1898 and 1953
- Owned by Marion Stephan
- Owned by Charles H. Stephan before January 10, 1977
- Received from Charles H. Stephan (Donor) on January 10, 1977
What
- Name
- Seal
- Identification Number
- Edz1004
- Type of Item
- seal
- Material
- bronze metal
- Manufacturing Technique
- cast
- Overall
- height 1.8 cm, width 7.4 cm
Who
- Culture
- Chinese
- Previous Owner
- Marion Stephan and Charles H. Stephan
- Received from
- Charles H. Stephan (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- China
When
- Creation Date
- before 1953
- Collection Date
- between 1898 and 1953
- Ownership Date
- before January 10, 1977
- Acquisition Date
- on January 10, 1977
Other
- Condition
- fair
- Accession Number
- 0352/0157