Seal - Imperial Seal





Catawiki Buyer Protection
Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details
Trustpilot 4.4 | 134742 reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.
Chinese Imperial Seal (玺), a two-material bronze and wood ceremonial seal from China, dating to 1980–1990, with a square base featuring deep-carved cloud-and-scroll motifs, a dragon-knob and a stand, overall 11 cm high including the stand, base 7.5 cm high by 5.5 cm by 5.5 cm, weight 930 g, in good used condition.
Description from the seller
* Dutch seller with more than 25 years of experience in Tibet, Nepal and China
* No additional costs for European buyers — no customs duties, import VAT or handling costs, which you will pay with all other Asian suppliers at this auction
* 100% transparent — all photos taken by us and showing exactly the object you will receive
* No intermediaries — we ship our products ourselves, directly to you via easy-to-follow Track and Trace codes
* Lightning-fast shipping — always within 2 working days, usually within 1 business day
* Fair & combined shipping costs — combined shipping active on all our auction items
* Flexible shipping — after payment you can simply provide a preferred shipping date
* 100% Reliable — Your package will always be shipped, regardless of the current bid.
Chinese Imperial Seal (Imperial Seal)
Includes Pedestal!
Seal dimensions:
Height: 7.5 cm
Width: 5.5 cm
Depth: 5.5 cm
Pedestal dimensions:
Height: 4 cm
Width: 10 cm
Depth: 9 cm
This is a Chinese imperial seal (玺,)
Strictly square base — this is characteristic of official Chinese seals; the shape symbolizes the earth and stability.
All four side faces are adorned with deeply incised scrollwork (云纹/卷草纹), a classic Chinese ornamental motif that represents prosperity and continuity.
The knob is shaped like a dragon in an arched form — the dragon curves over the top and thus forms a handle.
The arch creates a continuous opening (tunnel), which is typical for the type qiaoniǔ (桥钮, "bridge knob") — a style that is common from Han to Tang dynasty seals.
The dragons are detailed with scales, claws and a clear head.
The knob is relatively high compared to the base, indicating a ceremonial or decorative object rather than a daily-use item.
The overall impression is solid and imposing — intended to radiate authority.
This object can be shipped together with other items of mine in this auction so you only pay the shipping costs once."}
Seller's Story
* Dutch seller with more than 25 years of experience in Tibet, Nepal and China
* No additional costs for European buyers — no customs duties, import VAT or handling costs, which you will pay with all other Asian suppliers at this auction
* 100% transparent — all photos taken by us and showing exactly the object you will receive
* No intermediaries — we ship our products ourselves, directly to you via easy-to-follow Track and Trace codes
* Lightning-fast shipping — always within 2 working days, usually within 1 business day
* Fair & combined shipping costs — combined shipping active on all our auction items
* Flexible shipping — after payment you can simply provide a preferred shipping date
* 100% Reliable — Your package will always be shipped, regardless of the current bid.
Chinese Imperial Seal (Imperial Seal)
Includes Pedestal!
Seal dimensions:
Height: 7.5 cm
Width: 5.5 cm
Depth: 5.5 cm
Pedestal dimensions:
Height: 4 cm
Width: 10 cm
Depth: 9 cm
This is a Chinese imperial seal (玺,)
Strictly square base — this is characteristic of official Chinese seals; the shape symbolizes the earth and stability.
All four side faces are adorned with deeply incised scrollwork (云纹/卷草纹), a classic Chinese ornamental motif that represents prosperity and continuity.
The knob is shaped like a dragon in an arched form — the dragon curves over the top and thus forms a handle.
The arch creates a continuous opening (tunnel), which is typical for the type qiaoniǔ (桥钮, "bridge knob") — a style that is common from Han to Tang dynasty seals.
The dragons are detailed with scales, claws and a clear head.
The knob is relatively high compared to the base, indicating a ceremonial or decorative object rather than a daily-use item.
The overall impression is solid and imposing — intended to radiate authority.
This object can be shipped together with other items of mine in this auction so you only pay the shipping costs once."}

