TIGT Titanium Seal (Solid Titanium Seal)

The Titanium Seal is a custom-made item. Production begins after your order is placed and payment is received. As this is a personalized product, returns are not accepted for any reason (unless there is an error in the engraving, in which case it will be corrected). Please allow 20-30 days for production and delivery. When ordering, please specify "the text you wish to engrave and your chosen font style" in the remarks section. Thank you. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47970556713_d993aa964f_b.jpg **Font proofs for the seal face are not provided. Our artisans dedicate their skill to crafting each seal, and we respect their artistic process. To ensure their work is not hindered by subjective revisions based on individual aesthetics or experience, previewing is not offered.** **However, if there is an error in the font or text content, we will gladly correct it at no charge until it is accurate. We appreciate your understanding and patience.** The Origins of Seals: Chopsticks were our initial venture, and the "culture of dining ware" was our first exploration. Within the vast and profound Chinese culture, we continuously seek new ways to innovate and present historical concepts through modern technology. Throughout millennia of history, Chinese culture offers countless subjects worthy of reverence. While the connection between chopsticks and seals might seem distant, for us, there's a cultural thread linking them. With this, TIGT officially enters a second realm of culture, delving into the art of "Seal Culture," where calligraphy and carving unite. We proudly introduce our long-anticipated new product: the "TIGT Titanium Seal." https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47970447702_29e9cdc34e_b.jpg Returning to the topic of seal origins, the oldest carved inscriptions include the Oracle Bone Script of the Shang Dynasty, the Bronze Inscriptions of the Zhou Dynasty, and the Stone Engravings of the Qin Dynasty. Text carved on materials like metal, bronze, jade, and stone is collectively referred to as "Jin Shi" (metal and stone). Seals are included within this category. The origin of seals is attributed by some to the Shang Dynasty, or by others to the Yin Dynasty, with no definitive consensus. Historical records and artifacts indicate their existence at least by the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, becoming commonly used by the mid-Warring States period. Initially, they served as proof of transaction during commercial exchanges. After Qin Shi Huang unified China, seals expanded in scope to become legal artifacts certifying the rights of those in power, used as tools for governance. During the Warring States period, the renowned statesman Su Qin, who advocated for alliances, wore the "Six-State Seal." In recent years, excavated artifacts have pushed the history of seals back several hundred years, suggesting their presence in the Zhou Dynasty. Surviving ancient seals are often found in ruins, riverbeds, and ancient tombs. Some were abandoned by vanquished warriors fleeing conflict, while others were left on battlefields by those who perished in service. According to the customs of the time, captured or seized seals had to be submitted. Officials were also required to surrender their seals upon reassignment or death. Many others, including those bearing official titles and names, auspicious phrases, or pictorial designs, were intended as burial objects rather than actual personal seals. Emperor Xuanzong of Tang possessed a rectangular seal inscribed with "Gong Yuan." Though these two seals do not bear collector's marks, they serve an appraisal function and are among the earliest known appraisal seals. After the Song Dynasty, the content of appraisal seals became richer, and the engraving and materials grew exquisite, showing a trend of surpassing earlier examples and earning favor among collectors. Furthermore, appraisal seals of collectors can help trace the provenance of precious ancient paintings and calligraphy. TIGT Titanium Seal Before 1954, titanium was primarily used for specialized purposes, largely in the military. The use of titanium for seal engraving first appeared in Japan. To create an exquisite titanium seal, the craftsmanship demands not only high standards for the seal material itself but also engraving techniques that differ significantly from those used for wood, jade, or even copper and iron seals. The seal body is crafted from solid cylindrical titanium. First, we determine the appropriate method for cutting the raw titanium material and then consider how to polish its surface. Once prepared, we proceed to the next stage: engraving the seal. Engraving titanium is a challenging process for seal masters in Taiwan, as most have little experience with this material. Finding artisans willing and capable of engraving titanium presented another hurdle. Initially, we attempted laser engraving, a technique familiar to us. This involved progressively reducing the titanium surface layer by layer to create the necessary relief for the characters and their depth. However, this method encountered issues. Prolonged laser exposure caused blackening, the edges of the characters lacked sharpness, and the resulting impressions had incomplete ink transfer and distorted text. Consequently, unable to achieve a visually appealing and functional product, we abandoned laser engraving for the seal body. Seal engraving is an art form in itself, and skilled engravers are indispensable for creating titanium seals. After extensive searching, we found the right artisans. The next step was diligently experimenting with various tools and techniques to perfect the engraving process for titanium seals. After six months, the product was ready for market. Currently, only one size is available for the titanium seal: A personal round seal with a diameter of 18mm. Round seals are generally used for bank accounts and other liquid financial assets. The circular shape symbolizes "wealth rolling in," making this size commonly chosen for financial purposes. Hence, it is the sole option for the titanium seal. **Advantages of the TIGT Titanium Seal** In addition to inheriting the many benefits of titanium, the most significant advantages include: **1. Exceptional Hardness:** The tactile feel when stamping is incomparable to ordinary wood. The impressions are clear and durable, resisting deformation from prolonged pressure and use. **2. Moisture and Mold Resistance:** Seals often come into contact with ink pads and other materials. Wooden seals are prone to moisture damage, affecting their longevity. **3. Rust and Oxidation Resistance:** Ink residue or moisture can cause rust and oxidation on steel or copper seals. Titanium seals are easy to preserve and do not suffer from these issues. **4. Easy to Clean:** Ink can easily accumulate on seals. Wiping with paper towels can leave lint embedded in the engraved areas. Washing with water can be inconvenient and risks damaging the seal. Titanium seals can be cleaned with alcohol, heat, or water to remove ink and oil stains without fear of damage. ( P.S. However, applying heat can alter the thickness of the surface's oxide layer, which will change the color!) **5. Hypoallergenic:** A small number of individuals experience metal allergies, especially as seals can accumulate sweat and oils from the hands, leading to skin irritation. Titanium has high biocompatibility, and there are no recorded cases of allergic reactions in humans, ensuring safe use. **6. Diverse Color Finishes:** All seals utilize the same coloring technology as TIGT's Titanium chopsticks, ensuring they are entirely non-toxic. You can rest assured they are safe for your hands. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47970583688_ff082eb57e_b.jpg **7. More Affordable than the Japanese Market:** For an 18mm diameter titanium seal of comparable quality to TIGT's, the average price in the Japanese market ranges from approximately 19,000 to 26,000 Japanese Yen, which converts to roughly NTD 5,200 to NTD 7,100. **Seal Specifications** Material: Pure Titanium Grade-2 Dimensions: Diameter 18mm, Length 55-60mm Condition: Solid raw material Surface Treatment: Hardened matte finish Origin/Manufacturing Method Made in Taiwan: Hand-colored and engraved **TIGT Titanium Seal** https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47970556713_d993aa964f_b.jpg Five font styles are available. Once you select your font and color, we will begin crafting your seal. Please note that font layout previews are not provided due to the cost associated with manual artwork. We are unable to offer individual confirmations to avoid any inconvenience. **Matte Silver Titanium Seal** https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47970603843_5c4e74f1a1_b.jpg **Stone Pattern Titanium Seal** https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47970584383_7a4fa37b50_b.jpg **Matte Gold Titanium Seal** https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47970624956_f125bb98fb_b.jpg **Matte Blue Titanium Seal** https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47970583688_ff082eb57e_b.jpg