Imperial Command Seal

Korean Empire · 보물 · 1F · Medieval and Early Modern History · Korean Empire

In October 1897, King Gojong ascended the imperial throne at the Wongudan altar in Seoul and proclaimed the nation the Korean Empire (Daehan Jeguk). He then had the state seals recast to befit an empire, replacing the former tortoise finial with a dragon symbolizing the emperor. The seals made at this time were briefly taken to Japan during the colonial period and recovered after liberation, but many were scattered in the Korean War; today only three, the Daewonsubo, the Jegojibo, and the Chingmyeongjibo, remain at the National Museum of Korea. Of these, the Chingmyeongjibo was used on imperial communications; it is made of fine silver gilded with gold, and the cord (insu) that once hung from its handle is now lost.

See it in person at the National Museum of Korea — 1F · Medieval and Early Modern History · Korean Empire

Source: based on official e-museum records (National Museum of Korea).