韓安之印|Seal
Unknown Artist
Medium
Bronze
Dimensions
H. 11/16 in. (1.7 cm); W. 11/16 in. (1.7 cm); D. 5/8 in. (1.6 cm)
Classification
Metalwork
Culture & Period
China · Ming dynasty (1368–1644) or earlier
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Edward B. Bruce, 1924
Accession Number
24.13.54
Art Historical Context
This petite bronze seal, inscribed with "韓安之印" (Seal of Han Anzhi), the refined metalwork of Chinese tradition from the Ming dynasty (8–1644) or earlier. Measuring just 11/16 inches square and 5/8 inches deep, its compact form belies its practical power: seals like this were essential tools for authentication, pressed into clay, wax, or ink to validate official documents, artworks, personal correspondence. Crafted by an unknown artist, it entered the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Asian Art collection in 1924 as a gift from Edward B. Bruce. Bronze, a durable alloy prized in China since antiquit...