In China, dragons are regarded as the symbol of imperial power. Among imperial seals, one of the most precious carving patterns is "interwound dragons" featuring two dragons carved together tail to tail.

In the Shanghai exhibition, there are several jade seals with handles featuring interwound dragons, such as the "Seal of Perfect Elder" and "Seal of Almighty Empress" from Emperor Daoguang's reign "Seal of Peace and Longevity" and "Seal of Mind-Fostering Palace" from Emperor Qianlong's reign and the "Seal of Almighty Empress Ci'an" from Emperor Tongzhi's reign.

The carved Qingtian stone seal set, "Honor His Majesty's Longevity," also created during Emperor Qianlong's period, features 60 seals to celebrate the emperor's 73-year-old birthday. Every seal is carved in a different term about "longevity."

Other interesting seals include the wood-plated "City Gate" featuring both relief and intaglio characters from the Emperor Tongzhi's period.

"They are entrance permission to get in and out the palace gate in the Qing Dynasty," explains Zhu.

There are also touching stories behind some seals like the gilded bronze "volume" of Princess Rong'an Kulun. The "volume" was the title given to honor an empress or princess when she died.

"Rong'an was the daughter of Emperor Xianfeng and her place is important because she was the last daughter in the Qing Dynasty," says Zhu.

Princess Rong'an passed away just a year after she got married. Her mother was so sad she made this volume to give her a title in the 12th year of Emperor Tongzhi's reign.

Date: through December 7, 9am-5pm

Venue: Tingtao Exhibition Hall of Yuyuan Garden

Admission: 30 yuan

(Shanghai Daily November 21, 2008)