Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami

Seal

Artist/Maker Artist Unknown (Artist Unknown)

Date19th century

Mediumglass

DimensionsOverall: 2 3/8 x 1 5/8 x 1 1/2 in. (6 x 4.1 x 3.8 cm)

ClassificationsInformation Forms

Credit LineGift of Florence Schwartz in memory of Cecil Schwartz

Terms

Object number2007.10.2

DescriptionSeals were among the most important possessions of the literati and remain highly coveted collector’s items. They could be carved with owner’s personal name (mingzi), their nom-de-plume (hao), the name of the studio, or an expression or wish. The size of the seal varied from small portable examples, carried on the person, to larger pieces made for the desk. Stone was the preferred medium for seals but bamboo, metal, wood, rhinoceros horn, and, less frequently, porcelain were also used. This is in large measure the result of the literati’s attraction to the natural look and feel of stone. Executed in cast glass, this example is very unusual.

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