Seal, 19th to 20th Century
Tibet Autonomous Region
Silver and leather; 2 5/8 × 5/8 × 5/8 in.
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Seal

ClassificationsTools and Equipment-seals & stamps

Date19th to 20th Century

Made AtTibet Autonomous Region, China, Asia

MediumSilver and leather

DimensionsWithout strap: 2 5/8 × 5/8 × 5/8 in. (6.7 × 1.6 × 1.6 cm)

Credit LineGift of Anne and Long Shung Shih

Object number2021.8.63

DescriptionA silver seal like this one would have been used by almost every political and religious official from Tibet to sign letters and documents. It would have been hung from a belt by its cord for ease of access. To leave a signature, an impression would be made in either cow skin, wax, or lac. This is a practice which was imported from China, but the decoration of the seals remains indisputably Tibetan. The fine carvings indicate that it would have been owned by someone very important.

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