Seal Cutting Carves CivilizationsAs products of Nature, seal stones testify to the beauty of mountains and rivers and contain the glowing warmthof the sun and the soft light of the moon. An ancient art form of art created by humans long ago and inherited bynumerous generations, seal cutting reflects the continuity of human civilization and records the moral integrity of theChinese nation.Seals first appeared in the pre-Qin period to inspect those who violated the law and committed crimes. After theQin Dynasty (221-206 BCE), monarchs used seals as symbols of imperial authority, while officials made them to sealdocuments as an exercise of power. From the Warring States Period (475-221 BCE) to the Han Dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE), seals were primarily made of bronze or jade. During the Yuan (1206-1368) and Ming (1368-1644) dynasties,carving seals with famous stones became popular among scholars. As a unique, refined art form throughout the ages, sealcutting remains prosperous today. It perfectly integrates the beauty of stone, exquisite craftsmanship, refined shapes andcultural connotations to create many art masterpieces.Chinese seals record the evolution of human civilization over the past two millennia or so. Even today, theyremain important for certifying official documents. A Chinese saying goes that, even metal and stone can be engraved;complete sincerity can affect even metal and stone. The emblem of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Dancing Beijing, notonly demonstrates the endless charm of Chinese seal cutting, but also reflects a spirit of harmony, passion, and honesty.Today, China inherits a unique cultural legacy and will surely create an even more brilliant seal cutting tradition for theworld.ForewordSeal Cutting Carves CivilizationsIV