Qian Long jade seal 'disappeared', suddenly 'revealed' in the auction of hundreds of billions

The jade seal of King Qianlong is a symbol of the emperor's supreme power, prominent for its large number and outstanding historical and artistic value. These treasures not only show the majesty of the court, but also the personal mark of a great king.

On December 14, 2016, an auction in Europe caused a stir when a jade seal of King Qianlong was sold for a record price of up to 21 million euros, equivalent to about 470 billion VND. This price is 30 times higher than originally expected, confirming the unique position of the seal. This is a rare seal, crafted from red and beige jade, with the image of 9 intricately carved dragons. In Chinese culture, the number 9 and the image of the dragon always symbolize the boundless power and absolute authority of the heavenly son. The seal also bears the inscription "Treasure of King Qianlong," an affirmation of its value and importance to the emperor.

Experts say that it is understandable that Qianlong's jade seal is strongly hunted. King Qianlong was not only the longest-reigning king in Chinese history, but he also led the country to the pinnacle of prosperity. Under his rule, China's economy doubled in output in 60 years, the population reached 400 million, and its borders widened. This period is considered to be the pinnacle in Chinese history, and all products from this period became a target for collectors.

Besides the jade seal worth 470 billion VND, another white jade seal also attracted attention when it was sold in 2010 for 5 million pounds, equivalent to about 140 billion VND. This seal is special in that it is engraved with the words "Self-reliance" and is decorated with a delicate dragon. The image of this dragon has 5 claws, a feature exclusive to the emperor, different from the 4-clawed dragon of the royal family members. In addition, the dragon on the seal holds a "jewel of wisdom," a symbol of brilliance and wisdom.

According to the Guardian, this seal was presented to King Qianlong by a prime minister in 1793. King Qianlong used it to stamp in the right corner of the calligraphy works he completed. Although the timing of the seal's loss from China is unclear, historians believe it occurred in 1900, during the turbulent period. It was later acquired by a European collector in 1950. The seal's attachment to Qianlong's name and career has added to its great historical value.

King Qianlong's love for seals is also reflected in his passion for art. He was renowned as a talented calligrapher and poet, often completing his own works and putting his own stamp on them. Therefore, each seal is not only a political seal but also a personal seal, associated with the works that he creates and collects. This is also the reason why today's collectors turn their attention from Ming Dynasty jade seals to Qianlong jade seals, making these antiques the most sought-after items on the market.

Why did Qianlong spend money to build the most lavish palace in the Forbidden City and not stay? Bình Minh18:44:00 02/03/2024Qianlong spent a mountain of money to build Can Trai in the 37th year of his reign so that after retirement he would come to live. However, he has never set foot in posterity, which makes posterity feel extremely confused.