Emperors in Chinese history used to have supreme powers over the country and its people but what was the symbol of their overwhelming imperial majesty? Well, nothing but royal seals!

And right now here’s a wonderful opportunity for the public to observe the symbol of imperial authority. Starting from September 26, an exhibition on royal seals of the Qing (1644-1911) emperors is being held at Yuyuan Garden in Shanghai. The royal seals on display traveled miles away from their home, the Forbidden City in Beijing, to the economic hub in East China for a public display. The exhibition will last till December 7.

Dating back to several thousand years ago, the seal has been considered as token of authorization, and in other words, it stood for the office and corresponding power. Royal seals likewise represented emperors’ sovereignty over the whole country. Those in the Qing Dynasty are not different.

On display in Shanghai include some valuable ones which have rarely ever made a public appearance. Two of them belonged to the 25 royal seals which were selected by Emperor Qianlong (reign 1735-1795) as the most treasured in 1746. The 25 seals were arranged to be used in different areas ranging from intern administration to legal issues, military affairs, education, and foreign affairs. The first four seals among the 25 pieces were exceptions as they were rarely used in any occasion. The two in Shanghai for public show are the sandalwood seal with four-character inscription meaning Treasure of Emperor and the gilded bronze seal with six-character inscription meaning Seal of Successor of Throne in Qing Dynasty.

The seal “Treasure of Emperor”

The seal “Treasure of Emperor”

The seal “Treasure of Emperor” ranks the fifth among the 25 most treasured of Emperor Qianlong. With a knot in the shape of reclining dragon, the seal was used on such occasions as enthronement, conferring the title of Empress upon a concubine, emperors wedding ceremony, or ordaining decrees.