seal

Seal made of horn, rectangular-based with four sides, which taper to the top. Carved in relief and reverse with two Chinese characters 'ruyi', which reads 'as you wish'; beside a halberd, 'ji', holding a musical stone, 'qing'. 'Ji' represents good fortune and 'qing' means celebration. All the scripts and images together create a rebus 'ji qing ruyi': 'May [someone] have all good fortune and happiness as desired'. This is an auspicious seal used to bring good wishes. Traces of cinnabar paste are present on base.

Collected in the field by missionaries in the late 19th or early 20th century.

Collection Information

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