Chinese Soapstone With Shoushan Buddha Hand Carved Chop Seal

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Offering this impressive soapstone chop seal. The top depicts a Shoushan Buddha holding an egg shaped stone in one hand. … Read more Offering this impressive soapstone chop seal. The top depicts a Shoushan Buddha holding an egg shaped stone in one hand. He sits atop a rectangular base.

History of the Chinese chop seal. Chop seals have been a part of Chinese culture for thousands of years. The earliest known seals date from the Shang dynasty (?? - shang cháo), which ruled from 1600 BC-1046 BC. Chops became widely used during the Warring States period (???? / ???? - Zhànguó Shídài) from 475 BC-221 BC, when they were used for signing official documents. By the time of the Han Dynasty (?? / ?? - Hàn Cháo) of 206 BC-220 AD, the chop was an essential part of Chinese culture. See less