Bronze Square Seal with Nose Handle, Bronze Seal, Ancient Bronze Seal, Ancient Seal, #BronzeWare, Ancient Personal Seal, Han Dynasty

Introduction: This bronze square seal with a nose-shaped handle is a typical example of early seal craftsmanship, commonly found in the transitional period from the Warring States to the early Han Dynasty. The seal features a square face and a curved nose-shaped handle with a perforation at the top, allowing it to be worn with a cord for portability, embodying both practicality and status symbolism of the era. Within its small dimensions lies a true microcosm of the ancient system of "using seals for trust and authority." Though small and weighing only 3.7 grams, this seal is crafted from aged bronze with a warm, smooth texture. Its surface displays a rich tapestry of naturally formed green patina, red spots, and earth encrustations, showcasing the authentic aging process after years of burial. The green patina is a stable oxide layer formed by centuries of natural oxidation, while the red spots often result from secondary oxidation reactions on the metal surface of early bronzeware, impossible to replicate artificially in a short time. Both are crucial indicators for dating ancient bronzeware. The nose-shaped handle is one of the most representative seal knob forms of the Warring States period. It is more simple and pure than the later beast or turtle knobs of the Han Dynasty, reflecting the original practical style of early seals. This piece exhibits a well-proportioned structure and stability, with no signs of later repairs or joins, indicating its natural aged state. It possesses both research value and aesthetic appeal for display. While the characters on the seal face are only faintly discernible due to weathering and the covering patina, they can be identified as a personal name seal in ancient seal script, symbolizing the individual's identity and credibility at the time, offering rich historical imagination. Such bronze personal seals from the Warring States to the early Han Dynasty are increasingly rare in the market, with complete small examples being particularly scarce. They are highly sought after by collectors of ancient artifacts, bronze inscriptions, and bronzeware. Whether for collection, research, display, or inheritance, this bronze square seal with a nose-shaped handle carries profound cultural depth and historical weight, serving as a classic representation of "small in form, grand in elegance; small in size, grand in history." We sincerely recommend it to enthusiasts of ancient artifacts, bronzeware, and seal art. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXI0r4g2IuI&t=49s