A Chinese seal is used in close contact with paper and seal paste, so small, gentle habits matter. After each use, check the carved face for loose fibers or visible paste, handle the seal securely, and put it somewhere it cannot roll, fall, or knock against other objects. For stone seals, avoid treating water or household cleaner as a routine shortcut.
After stamping: check the carved face
When you finish stamping, look across the carved face in good light. If you see loose paper fibers, lift them gently with a clean, soft brush. Avoid scraping the grooves with a pin, blade, or other hard tool; a tool can catch an edge or mark a surface. If paste remains, follow the care guidance for that paste and the instructions supplied with your seal. Do not scrub the face to make it look spotless.
Keep stone care dry and cautious
Stone types and finishes can respond differently to cleaning. The U.S. National Park Service’s museum guidance for indoor stone objects recommends regular dusting, advises against washing stone, and says to seek a conservator’s advice when an object is very dirty. That guidance concerns museum collections rather than a specific Seal of East product, but it supports a cautious rule for a carved seal: do not soak it or apply household cleaners, oils, or polishing products unless the maker has confirmed they are suitable.
If dirt is lodged in the carving, the surface is sticky or powdery, or the seal has a crack or loose fragment, pause and ask the maker or a qualified stone conservator before cleaning. The seal’s carved face and finish can be difficult to repair once damaged.
Choose a safe place to store it
- Set the seal on a stable surface away from the edge of a desk or shelf.
- Keep it separate from loose metal tools, keys, and other hard objects that could strike or scratch it.
- Use a dry, tidy storage place where it will not be knocked over or handled casually.
- When moving it, support the body securely and avoid lifting it by a decorative top or attached detail.
If your seal came with packaging that fits it securely, it can help keep the piece together when stored or moved. Check that the seal cannot slide around inside. Do not force a seal into a tight holder.
A simple routine to remember
After use, inspect the carved face, remove only loose debris gently, and return the seal to a stable place. If you are choosing a piece for a writing desk or studio, browse the current Seal of East collection, including the Amber Glow Seal and Apricot Cloud Seal. Their product pages identify each as natural stone; follow product-specific guidance if you need care advice for your own piece.
Source: National Park Service Museum Handbook, Appendix P: Curatorial Care of Ceramic, Glass, and Stone Objects. The stone-care section is general museum guidance and is not a product-specific treatment guide.
Explore a custom Chinese seal if you are planning a personal design.