Lecture Notes on Historical Seals of Chinese Dynasties

Overview

• The lecture discusses three significant seals representing the history of the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Seal 1: Ming Dynasty Seal

• Created for: Wife of Emperor Yongle (Jungler).
• Carved by: Honxi Emperor (her son) in 1425.
• Significance:
  • Represents the pinnacle of the Ming dynasty.
  • Possibly the only surviving seal from the Ming dynasty, aside from those buried with emperors.
  • Placed in the Tanya in the Forbidden City.
• Destruction:
  • Seal was destroyed during the invasion by Li Zicheng on June 3, 1644.
  • Marks the transition from the Ming dynasty to the Qing dynasty.

Seal 2: Kangxi Emperor's Seal

• Material: Carved from Tan Xiang wood (sandalwood).
• Era: Early years of Kangxi's reign.
• Inscription: "Revere heaven and serve your people."
• Importance:
  • Largest seal carved for Kangxi.
  • Embodies the "Mandate of Heaven" - a key principle for Qing emperors.
  • Rationale for taking power from the Ming: Ming had lost the mandate due to corruption.
• Legacy:
  • Later emperors Yongzheng and Qianlong carved copies of this seal.

Seal 3: Qianlong Emperor's Seal

• Context: Created for the Hall of Grace Remembrance (Dee Anton).
• Purpose:
  • Memorializes the meeting with his grandfather, Kangxi.
  • Used for feasts and entertainment.
• Inscription: Reflects Qianlong's pledge to abide by Kangxi’s rules.
• Significance:
  • Qianlong's personal feelings of self-doubt and recognition of criticisms.
  • Mentions the controversial succession - his father was the fourth son, not the first.
  • References a historical tale from the Zhou dynasty to legitimize his succession.
• Damage:
  • Seal suffered fire damage during the sacking of the Summer Palace in October 1860.

Value of Seals

• Estimated values:
  • First seal: 125 million.
  • Second seal: 80 million.
  • Third seal: 25 million.
• Historical importance:
  • Collectively represent the foundation, height, and decline of the Qing dynasty.