This small porcelain seal is carved with the Chinese character 'shou' meaning longevity. It is covered in Qingbai glaze which derives its name from the characteristic icy, bluish-white glaze. Ceramic seals from Song period are rare, and little information is available on their manufacture and use. It is difficult to know for certain if Song ceramic seals were used or made as burial goods. The clay found lodged in this seal suggests that it was buried, perhaps recovered from a tomb.The seal script ('xiaozhuan') employed for seals standardises each character in size regardless of complexity. Seal script has been the principle script for deals until today.Qingbai wares were developed during the Song dynasty (960-1279). Produced in Jingdezhen, Jiangxi province, they were exported in large quantities to Southeast Asia from the 12th century onwards although pieces such as these were usually made for the domestic market.
