Imperial Seal

The Imperial Seal, also known as the Imperial Jade Seal or the Heirloom Seal of the Realm, is a jade seal carved out of He Shi Bi by Qin Shihuan. He Shi Bi is a historically famous piece of jade.

Creation
The Seal was created in 221 B.C. when Qin Shihuan destroyed the remaining Warring States and united China under the Qin Dynasty. The He Shi Bi was a famous piece of jade stone which previously belonged to the Zhao state. Passing into the hands of the new Emperor of China, he ordered it made into his Imperial Seal. Prime Minister Li Si wrote a sentence, which were carved into the seal by Sun Shou. The sentence was:

"Having received the Mandate from Heaven, may the Emperor lead a long and prosperous life."

"(受命於天, 既壽永昌)"