CHINESE BRONZE GILT CAMEL SEAL. Han Dynasty or later, Ca. 202 BC - AD 220. A gilded camel seal. Such items were traditionally rewarded to the leader of ethnic minorities who swore loyalty to the ruling dynasty. The type of animal seal awarded was dependant on their rank. In this case of a camel seal, the highest rank who could receive it was the Chief Censor, who monitored the behaviour of government officials, ensuring they followed laws and regulations and investigating corruption or misconduct. For similar see The Palace Museum, 新00022386. Size: 32mm x 25mm; Weight: 75g Provenance: Prince collection, 1990s-2014; Ex. Roger Keverne, 2008; formerly in a western private collection; previously in the collection of C. T. Loo. This item has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database and comes with a confirmation letter.