TIGT - Titanium Seal Square City - Stone Pattern Special Edition

Made to order, with an average production time of approximately one month. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47970500446_29962b8a47_b.jpg **The stone-like pattern is formed by the stacked oxide layer generated on the titanium metal. Unlike coatings or paints, the color and pattern cannot be controlled. Each finished titanium seal base will be unique and may not perfectly match the effect shown in the photos. Please consider this carefully before purchasing.** Diverse Customization Options: I. Six font styles are available. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47970500126_9576e5fbe6_b.jpg **Font proofs for the seal surface are not provided. Our artisans dedicate themselves to crafting each seal with care, and we respect their professional design outcomes. To avoid having customers request revisions based on their personal aesthetics and experience, which may cause inconvenience to the artisans, we do not offer previews. However, if there is an error in the font content, we will correct it free of charge until it is accurate. We hope for your understanding and consideration.** II. The exterior of the seal can undergo manual polishing or a matte finish, based on your preference. While the polished finish may not achieve a mirror-like effect, it significantly enhances the luster. This incurs an additional cost of NT$1,000. Those who desire polishing should select the polished version. III. The pinnacle of titanium engraving craftsmanship. The Origin of TIGT Titanium Seals: Chopsticks were our inaugural product, and "culinary culture" was our initial theme. Within the profound depth of Chinese culture, we continuously seek innovative breakthroughs using modern technology, inspired by historical perspectives, to present new generations with fresh interpretations. Throughout thousands of years of history, Chinese culture offers countless subjects worthy of reverence and admiration. It might seem a significant leap from chopsticks to seals, with little apparent connection. However, for us, the transition is not so drastic; there remains a cultural linkage. With this, TIGT officially ventures into a second realm of culture, embracing the art of "seal culture," where calligraphy and engraving converge. We are proud to launch our long-prepared new product: "TIGT Titanium Seals." Returning to the topic of the origin of seals, the earliest historical engraved characters include the Oracle Bone Script of the Yin Dynasty, the Bronze inscriptions of the Zhou Dynasty, and the stone inscriptions of the Qin Dynasty. Characters engraved on materials such as bronze, gold, jade, and stone are collectively known as "Jingshi" (metal and stone inscriptions). Seals are included within "Jingshi." The origin of seals is attributed by some to the Shang Dynasty, and by others to the Yin Dynasty, with no definitive consensus. Based on unearthed artifacts 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 verification for commercial exchanges of goods. After Qin Shi Huang unified China, the scope of seals expanded to become legal artifacts proving the rights of those in power, held by the ruling class as tools for governing the populace. During the Warring States period, the renowned Prime Minister Su Qin, who advocated for the vertical alliance, carried the seals of six states. In recent years, excavated artifacts have pushed the history of seals back by several centuries, indicating their existence during the Zhou Dynasty. Most surviving ancient seals have been unearthed from ancient city ruins, rivers, and old tombs. Some were abandoned by vanquished individuals fleeing during wars, while others were left on battlefields by those who perished in combat. According to the customs of the time, any seal captured or seized in battle had to be handed over. Officials were also required to surrender their seals and ribbons upon demotion or death. Many others, such as those bearing official titles combined with names, auspicious phrases, or depictions of objects, were likely intended as burial items rather than functional seals. Emperor Xuanzong of Tang possessed a rectangular seal with the characters "工元." Although these two seals did not explicitly state "appreciation and collection" (鑑藏), they served an appraisal purpose and are considered the earliest known appraisal seals. After the Song Dynasty, appraisal seals became richer in content, with exquisite seal carving and materials, reaching a level that surpassed earlier examples and becoming highly favored by collectors. Furthermore, appraisal seals of collectors can help trace the provenance of precious ancient paintings and calligraphy. TIGT Titanium Seals: Before 1954, titanium was primarily used for specialized purposes, largely in military applications. The earliest application of titanium for engraving seals appeared in Japan. To produce a finely crafted titanium seal, the craftsmanship requirements extend beyond the quality of the seal material itself, demanding techniques distinct from those used for wood or jade, and certainly different from those for metal seals like copper or iron. The seal body is a solid cylindrical piece of titanium. Firstly, in cutting the raw titanium material, we not only find suitable methods but also consider how to mill the titanium surface into a cuboid shape. Only after these preparations can we proceed to the next stage: engraving the seal. Engraving titanium presents a significant challenge for seal makers in Taiwan, as most masters have little experience with this material, making technical mastery difficult. Finding artisans willing to cooperate and capable of engraving titanium proved to be another hurdle. Initially, we employed familiar techniques, using laser engraving to gradually remove layers from the titanium surface, creating the necessary relief for the characters and their depth. However, this soon led to problems. Prolonged laser exposure caused blackening, and the edges of the characters lacked sharpness. Consequently, the imprinted impressions had blurred edges, and the characters became distorted. Due to the inability to produce a visually appealing 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 requires skilled engravers. After extensive searching, we finally found suitable masters. The subsequent effort involved experimenting with various tools and techniques to achieve the desired titanium seal engraving. After six months of dedicated work, the product was finally ready for market. TIGT currently offers only one specification: an 18mm diameter personal square seal. Square seals are typically used for contract signing or official documents requiring formal verification, serving a slightly different purpose than round seals. Advantages of TIGT Titanium Seals: In addition to inheriting the numerous benefits of titanium, the most important advantages include: 1. Hardness and Durability: The feel when stamping is incomparable to ordinary wood, producing clear and lasting impressions that resist deformation even with prolonged pressure. 2. Moisture and Mold Resistance: Seals often come into contact with ink pads and other materials. Wooden seals are susceptible to moisture issues, affecting their longevity. 3. No Oxidation or Rust: Ink residue or moisture can cause rust and oxidation on steel or copper seals. Titanium seals are easy to preserve and do not suffer from these problems. 4. Easy to Clean: Seals frequently get ink on them. Wiping with tissue paper can leave paper fibers on the seal surface. Cleaning with water can be troublesome and risks damaging the seal. Titanium seals can be cleaned of ink and oil stains using alcohol, heat (with caution), or water without fear of damage. (P.S. However, heating will alter the thickness of the surface oxide layer, which will change the color!) 5. Hypoallergenic: A small number of individuals are allergic to metals, especially when seals are frequently exposed to hand sweat and oil residue, further irritating sensitive skin. Titanium has high biocompatibility, and there are no recorded human allergic reactions, making it safe to use. Seal Specifications: Material: Pure Titanium Grade-1 Dimensions: 18mm diameter, 59-60mm length Condition: Solid raw material Surface Treatment: High-voltage hard anodization