In ancient times, a royal seal was revered - a powerful symbol of authority not to be taken lightly. They were also works of art reflecting both history and culture as a new exhibition reveals.

The Palace Museum in Beijing is a treasure trove of Chinese ancient history and culture boasting many precious collections. But few are as representative of supreme imperial power as the array of imperial seals.

Emperors of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), in particular, had many royal seals made from a diverse range of materials, delicately engraved and representing the highest technology of the time.

Seals were among the most important cultural relics in a palace, used by emperors as a mark of appreciation and for stamping important letters and documents.

The exhibition "Historical Traces Imperial Seals of the Qing Dynasty at the Palace Museum" brings many Palace Museum treasures to Shanghai at Yuyuan Garden.

A total of 110 sets of seals including 170 royal seals are currently on display.

They not only reflect the feudal system of the Qing Dynasty, but also showcase the artistic values of calligraphy, painting, literature, poetry and verse.

Today, these seals have become a window allowing modern people to look into the imperial lives of Qing emperors.

A greenish-blue jade seal, "Imperial Seal of the Room of Three Rarities," was made during the Emperor Qianlong's reign and was used by the emperor on qualified paintings. The set consists of two seals in a small box.

"Emperor Qianlong himself was an artist, good at calligraphy and painting. His comments on paintings had particular meaning, and this seal set is very special," says Zhu Peimin, from the Shanghai Yuyuan Garden management committee.