Chinese seals have existed since the second Century BC. High quality seals were carved from jade and used to authenticate documentation from the owner. Collectors and connoisseurs would stamp paintings and other artworks with specific seals designed for this purpose. Great battles were fought in order to gain possession of the Heirloom seal-the very first seal ever created. Ownership of this seal was believed to bring legitimacy to the rule of the holder. This seal is believed to have been lost between 907 and 960AD.
'In 221BC, the seal was created when Qin Shihuang destroyed the remaining warring states and united China under the Qin Dynasty. The He Shi Bi was a famous piece of jade which previously belonged to the Zhao state. Passing into the hands of the new Emperor of China, he ordered it made into his Imperial seal. The words “受命于天 既寿永昌”(roughly translated as "The Mandate is received from Heaven, May He have Longevity and Prosperity") were written by Prime Minister Li Si, and carved onto the seal by Sun Shou.' (Wikipedia, 2008)
Below is a jade carving of a seal believed to be a replica of the Heirloom seal.
Seals which are used for signing letters and literary works of everyday individuals are called leisure seals. These 'private' seals are inscribed with favourite quotes or words such as 'wisdom' or 'respect'. 'Studio' seals are used by artist to authenticate their work.
Below: Studio seal, leisure seal.
The Yellow Spirit Leap seal is used in Chinese magic and is said to ward of evil spirits if worn on the belt. It is stamped on the ground across
the path of an approaching bear or tiger to cause it to retreat.
Nowadays seals can be ordered to the customer's specs, these can be created in stone
, ivory
, timber
or rubber.
, ivory, timber or rubber. 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imperial_Seal_of_China
http://www.huanghechineseseals.com/images/chinese-seals/chinese-seal-4779.jpg
http://www.logoi.com/notes/seal_magic.html
http://www.logoi.com/notes/seals/
http://www.logoi.com/symbols/index.html
http://www.logoi.com/notes/seal_magic.html
http://www.char4u.com/index.php?cPath=13
http://www.diytrade.com/china/4/products-list/0-k-c-1/rubber_stamp.html
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