The Making of the Qin Seal

The Making of the Qin Seal shows the period following the unification of the six states by the First Emperor of Qin, who commanded the mining and carving of jade to create the Heirloom Seal of the Realm. The craftsmen are captured using traditional techniques to cut, polish and engrave the stone, transforming the raw jade into a square seal. This reflects the unification of craft, material and symbolism in the Qin dynasty. The art of seal-making became a refined cultural practice representing harmony and continuity, exploring how craftsmanship and natural materials shaped the visual language and cultural identity of early China.