A seal bearing an artist’s name or pseudonym may be affixed to a painting or calligraphy. Traditionally, seals were also used to signify ownership of an artwork, approval of a document, or endorsement of the subject matter. Artists and scholars, as well as professional specialists, carved seals using stones selected for their appearance and tactile quality. The upper portion was used for carved decoration, while the name was placed on the flat bottom surface. To make a mark, the seal was pressed into a sticky paste, which was kept in boxes such as this one.