Ancient Chinese Jade Emperor's Minister Seal-Translated

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Houghton USA Ancient Art, Antiques, & Fine Collectables Ancient Chinese Jade Emperor's Minister Seal circa Han Dynasty (206 BC—220 AD) Over 2,000 Years Old with English Translation!! This ancient Chinese Jade Seal is in perfect condition and is absolutely amazing! The seal measures approximately 1.12" (29 mm) square, and is 2" high (50mm) and is engraved on the bottom with ancient Chinese characters, which I have translated into English! The seal has a hole drilled in its top so that it could be suspended by its owner from the neck or the waist. It weigh 2.6 ozs. (74 grams) of pure Jade. The seal has the figure of a Turtle or Tortise on the top. In ancient Chinese mythology since at least 200 BC, the Turtle was one of 4 spiritual creatures that also guarded the direction North, the Winter season, as well as the color black, and water. The Tortise, also known in China as the "Black Warrior." The Ancient Chinese characters were made in a style called “Seal Script” and that style is approximately 2,000 years old. The style of characters that was used to create this seal helps experts to date this piece to the Han Dynasty. In addition, the patina on the jade pieces is wonderful and certainly indicates very old jade. T he seal has a beautiful golden brown color. English Translation of Ancient Chinese What makes this ancient Seal really unique is the amazing words that were carved into it over 2,000 years ago. The old style, Chinese Seal Charaters may be somewhat difficult to see in photo # 6, but they are very crisp and clear in person and are typical of the Han Dynasty period in Ancient China. Here is my best translation of the two ancient characters that can be found on this Jade Tortise seal. "The Official Seal of the Supreme Heavenly Emperor ." This seal would have been used by a senior official in the Emperor's Court to signify the official had seen and approved of an order. The seal would likely have been entombed with the official upon his burial to ensure the Gods took note of his high, official rank with the Emperor, who was considered the Son of Heaven. In the afterlife, it was believed that the official would need to use this seal in his official Heavenly duties. What a super piece of ancient Chinese History that you can own!! Details Any man carring such a seal would have been instantly recognizable by his rank and given the highest respect and honor commensurate with this high Imperial position. In life or in death, this ritual symbol of the officials rank in ancient China would have impressed and perhaps even intimidated all on Earth and perhaps in Heaven who saw it. This seal would have most certainly been buried with the Minister at the time of his entombment. I have carefully examined this seal under 10x magnification and it also shows authentic and original signs of weathering and ground contact that help to further authenticate it as an ancient piece. It has been made with authentic hand tools that date to ancient China. I Guarantee this headpiece to be 100% authentic or your money back! You will not be disappointed! It is exceeding rare and museum quality ancient Chinese work of art. Each object I sell is professionally researched, translated (if I can...(smile), and compared with similar objects in the collections of the finest museums in the world. I have been dealing in fine antiquities for almost 50 years and although certainly not an expert in every field, I have been honored to appraise, buy, collect, and enjoy and recently sell some of the finest ancient art in the world. When in doubt, I have worked with subject matter experts to determine the condition and authenticity of numerous antiquities and antiques. This documentation helps to insure you are buying quality items and helps to protect your investment. Please examine the photos taken at 4x macro carefully as they are part of the description. read more

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