Development of the Great Imperial Seals of Ancient China: Form, Content, and the Relationship between the Features of Art and the Political System
Abstract
A special importance has been given to the great imperial seal as a type of jade-made work of art in ancient China. Its two components – a carved decoration at the top and a stamp, not only were symbols of the feudal era, but also demonstrated the highest level of Chinese art. Based on the investigation of the jade seals history of the origin and development, details and features of the art of large imperial seals are highlighted in this article. The emergence of large Imperial seals was facilitated by the formation of the ancient jade culture and social relations of the ancient Chinese class society. Large Imperial seals were a symbol of the highest state power, carved ornaments on their surface were always made in the form of a dragon or a Chihuahua, and the decorative language of high relief was often used. The surface shape of the seals was extremely diverse, reaching its peak in the Qing dynasty. And their development continues to this day.
About the Author
Zh. Xiao
Lviv National Academy of Arts; Liaoning University of Science and Technology
China
China
Zhou Xiao, postgraduate student of the Lviv National Academy of Arts, senior teacher at Liaoning University of Science and Technology
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Review
For citations:
Xiao Zh. Development of the Great Imperial Seals of Ancient China: Form, Content, and the Relationship between the Features of Art and the Political System. ARTE. 2020;(2):27-45. (In Russ.)
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