Yin, Yellow Jade Seals

The yellow jade seals on display in the National Palace Museum in Taipei are regarded as masterpieces of color and carving techniques. Of all the colors in which jade is found, yellow is the rarest and therefore the most valued. These jade seals, in the shade of steamed chestnuts, are regarded as superb specimens. The fact that the seals, one oval and the other two square, and the chains that connect them, are all carved from one piece of stone, makes them all the more exquisite. Since each seal is only about 2 to 3 centimeters in length, and each link in the chain less than 1 cm., the ancient craftsmen had to show outstanding skill and care in carving this intricate work. It is said that a Ching Dynasty Emperor was so fond of these jade seals that he ordered that no characters be carved on them to preserve their timelessness. Though this is in a sense an unfinished masterpiece, it has few equals as a work of art.