The Chinese chop seal has been around for over three thousand years, and remains to this day an integral part of Chinese culture.
Lets find out more about this ancient Chinese tradition and how to get your own unique Chinese chop seal.
The Chinese chop is simply a stamp created for use as your personal signature on any kind documentation or artwork.
The chop began life thousands of years ago and was used by high ranking officials and Chinese nobility as a method of putting your personal mark to legal papers and documents.
It is thought that the chop was created due to high illiteracy among the Chinese population at this time.
In modern Chinese culture the chop is an everyday part of life, and is commonly used for bank transactions and legal matters.
No business is considered complete until the paperwork has been "chopped".
Uniquely in Chinese business matters, business can be concluded if the persons chop is present, but if the person is present without their chop, it cannot! Many Chinese businesses have their own chop which tend to be larger, intended to convey authority and presence in the marketplace.
Most business seals are circular, signifying money rolling in.
The use of red ink is preferable as this signifies a deal set in stone and signed in blood.
Chinese seals are predominately made of stone, with the usual medium being jade.
To a lesser extent hardwoods and metal are used but stone is considered to be the best way of making a good seal.
Seal carving is a highly specialized skill and engravers are always in great demand.