TIGT - Titanium Square Seal - Hand-Polished Blue-Gold Full Gradient

The pinnacle of hand-polished craftsmanship. Available via custom order, with an average production time of approximately one month. Diverse Customization Options: I. Choice of six fonts. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47970500126_9576e5fbe6_b.jpg **Font styles on the seal face are not provided for review. We deeply respect the meticulous craftsmanship of our engravers and the artistic integrity of their work. To ensure this respect, we do not offer previews for aesthetic adjustments by clients, which could inadvertently create difficulties for our artisans.** **However, should there be any errors in the font content itself, we will correct it free of charge until accuracy is achieved. We kindly ask for your understanding and consideration.** II. Hand-polishing process integrated into the seal's exterior. III. The ultimate expression of titanium engraving artistry. The Origin of TIGT Titanium Square Seals: Chopsticks were our inaugural creation, and the "culture of dining ware" was our first exploration. Within the profound depths of Chinese culture, we continuously seek new avenues for innovation, reimagining historical concepts with modern techniques to present them to a new generation. Chinese culture, across millennia, offers an abundance of subjects worthy of reverence and admiration. It might seem a considerable leap from chopsticks to seals, yet for us, the connection is not so distant; there remains a cultural resonance. With this, TIGT officially ventures into a second new cultural domain, embracing the realm of "Seal Culture," where calligraphy and engraving converge. We are proud to introduce our long-anticipated new product: "TIGT - Titanium Metal Seals." Returning to the origins of the seal, historically, inscribed characters range from the oracle bone script of the Yin Dynasty, the bronze inscriptions of the Zhou Dynasty, to the stone carvings of the Qin Dynasty. Characters engraved on materials such as metal, bronze, jade, and stone are collectively referred to as "Jin Shi" (metal and stone). Seals are included within this category. The origin of seals is attributed by some to the Shang Dynasty, and by others to the Yin Dynasty, with no definitive consensus yet. Based on archaeological findings and historical records, they appeared at least by the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, becoming widely used by the mid-Warring States period. Initially, they served as proof of exchange for commercial transactions. After Qin Shi Huang unified China, the scope of seals expanded, becoming legal artifacts to certify the rights of those in power, controlled by the ruling class, and used as tools to govern the populace. During the Warring States period, the renowned statesman Su Qin, an advocate of the vertical alliance, wore the seals of six states. In recent years, excavated artifacts have pushed the history of seals back several hundred years, indicating their existence as far back as the Zhou Dynasty. Surviving ancient seals are often found in the ruins of ancient cities, rivers, and tombs. Some were abandoned by defeated warriors during their flight, while others were left on the battlefield by those who perished in combat. According to the customs of the time, any seals captured or seized in battle had to be submitted. Officials were also required to surrender their seals and ribbons upon changing posts or after death. Many others, such as those with official titles combined with names, auspicious phrases, or depictions, were likely funerary items rather than practical seals. Emperor Xuanzong of Tang possessed a rectangular seal inscribed with the characters "Gong Yuan." Although these two seals do not bear explicit "collection and appraisal" markings, they serve an appraisal function and are considered the earliest known "collection and appraisal seals." From the Song Dynasty onwards, the content of collection and appraisal seals became richer, with increasingly exquisite craftsmanship and materials, surpassing earlier examples and gaining favor among collectors. Furthermore, through the collection and appraisal seals of connoisseurs, the provenance of ancient precious paintings and calligraphy can be traced. TIGT Titanium Square Seals Prior to 1954, titanium was primarily used for specialized purposes, largely in the military. The earliest application of titanium for seal engraving appeared in Japan. To produce an exquisite titanium seal requires not only high standards for the material itself but also engraving techniques distinct from those used for wood or jade, and certainly different from those for metal seals like bronze or iron. The seal body is a solid cylindrical piece of titanium. First, for the cutting of the raw titanium material, we not only devised suitable methods but also considered how to mill the titanium surface into a cube. Only after these preparations could we proceed to the next stage: engraving the seal. Engraving titanium presents a significant challenge within the Taiwanese seal-making industry, as most engravers have little experience with this material. Finding artisans willing to collaborate and possessing the expertise for titanium engraving was another hurdle. Initially, we employed laser engraving, a technique we were familiar with, to gradually ablate the titanium surface layer by layer, creating the raised and recessed areas required for the characters, thereby achieving depth. However, problems soon arose. Prolonged laser exposure caused blackening, and the character edges lacked sharpness. When stamped, the impressions were blurred at the edges, and the characters appeared deformed. Unable to produce a aesthetically pleasing and functional product, we abandoned laser engraving for the seal body. Seal engraving is an art form in itself, and the creation of titanium seals necessitates skilled engravers. After considerable searching, we finally found suitable artisans. The subsequent challenge was to experiment with various tools and materials to achieve the desired engraving. After six months of dedicated effort, the titanium seals were finally ready for market. Currently, TIGT Titanium Square Seals are available in only one specification: a personal square seal with a diameter of 18mm. Square seals are typically used for signing contracts or for official documents requiring a standardized mark, serving a slightly different purpose than round seals. Advantages of TIGT Titanium Seals In addition to inheriting the many benefits of titanium metal, the most significant advantages include: 1. Durability: The tactile feel when stamping is unparalleled by ordinary wood; the impressions are clear and long-lasting, resisting deformation even with prolonged pressure. 2. Moisture and Mold Resistance: Seals often come into contact with ink pads and other materials. Wooden seals are prone to moisture issues, affecting their longevity. 3. No Oxidation or Rusting: Ink residue or moisture on steel or bronze seals can lead to rusting and oxidation. Titanium seals are easy to preserve and do not suffer from this issue. 4. Easy to Clean: Seals frequently come into contact with ink pads. Wiping with tissue paper can leave paper fibers on the engraved surface. Cleaning with water is inconvenient and risks damaging the seal. Titanium seals can be cleaned of ink and oil stains using alcohol wipes, heat, or water without fear of damage. (P.S. However, applying heat will alter the thickness of the oxide layer on the surface, leading to a change in color!) 5. No Metal Allergies: A small number of individuals are susceptible to metal allergies, particularly when seals come into contact with sweat and oils from the hands. Titanium exhibits high biocompatibility, and there are no recorded cases of allergic reactions in humans, allowing for safe use. Seal Specifications Material: Titanium Grade 1 Size: 18mm diameter, length 59-60mm Condition: Solid raw material Surface Treatment: Hand-polished + Hard extreme high voltage coloring treatment