The Republic of China (Taiwan) has two national seals, the Seal of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Seal of Honor. Because they are made of precious, rare materials, and their faces are larger than ordinary seals, special care must be taken in using them to ensure that they will not be damaged and the color of the imprints will be even. To use the seals, they are placed face-up, then the faces are covered with cinnabar oil ink. The document is placed, face down, on the face of the seal, and then pressure is applied evenly on the back of the sheet. The whole process is something like making a rubbing.
The Seal of the Republic of China (Taiwan)
Usage: The Seal of the Republic of China (Taiwan) is the official seal of state. It is used for marking credentials, instruments of ratification, instruments of acceptance, full powers, exequaturs, consular commissions, etc.
Engraving: This seal was engraved by the Printing and Casting Bureau under the National Government’s Department of Civic Affairs in 1929, and was first used on October 10, 1929.
Made of emerald jade, the seal weighs 3.2 kilograms and stands 10 cm in height, 4.3 cm being the height of the body. The face of the seal is 13.3 cm square.
The Seal of the Republic of China (Front)
The Seal of the Republic of China (Face)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzztjvWZl3w
The Seal of Honor
Usage: The Seal of Honor is the official seal with which the head of state confers honors and decorations. It is used for stamping medal certificates, citations, commendatory plaques, and other such items.
Engraving: This seal was engraved the same year as the Seal of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and was first used on July 1, 1931.
Materials and shape: Made of suet white jade, the seal weighs 4.3 kilograms and stands 11.1 cm in height, 4.6 cm being the height of the body. The face of the seal is 13.6 cm square.
The Seal of Honor (Front)
The Seal of Honor (Face)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgZYE3LUSSM
Both items are constructed of Taiwan incense cedar (calocedrus formosana) and beech wood using traditional mortise and tenor joinery with relief carving. Of simple construction, the stand is modelled after a traditional ritual vessel (鼎) and inlaid with beech wood on all four sides, expressing widespread joy at the nation’s continuous progress. Featuring carvings reminiscent of a traditional auspicious ornament (如意) and Formosan lilies, the tray represents resilient vitality, good governance, social peace, and national prosperity.