History of Wax Seals: From Ancient to Modern Times

Wax seals have a fascinating history that dates back to centuries. The first wax seal that I ever saw in real life was in 2015 and I can’t deny not getting charmed by it. It seemed to be something strangely unique and artistic to me.

In 2016 I knew I wanted to get a wax seal for my wedding invitations. I wasn’t a wedding stationer at that time but designed my own wedding invitations and stationery. With limited knowledge and exposure in the industry, unfortunately I could not arrange wax seals since I had no clue on where to search and what to find.

I saw a couple of YouTube videos but there wasn’t a lot of content on wax seals then as it is now. I remember delving deep into the history of wax seals at that time- read articles on Wikipedia and connected them with some movies which had a glimpse of wax seals in them.

Fast forward, one of my skills as a wedding stationer and an artist is that I design custom stamps and I handcraft wax seals for wedding invitations and stationery. After handcrafting tens and hundreds of wax seals I can certainly call myself a wax sealing expert.

I have gathered information from different sources to curate this article which lets you explore the history info wax seals in under 5 minutes. Let’s hop in.

When were the first seals used?

The use of seals dates back to the times of 2000 BC. The Mesopotamian  and Egyptian civilizations used seals not just to secure goods but also to verify the authenticity of documents.

In ancient Mesopotamia, for instance, cylindrical seals made of stone or metal were pressed onto wet clay to leave an impression. Babylonians wrapped their clay letter tablets in another piece of clay that they then fired. This outer layer had to be broken to be able to read the letter.

Seals made of stone or metal were used to impress a unique mark into soft clay tablets or papyrus. These impressions served as both a signature and a symbol of authority.

Back then the Egyptians did not have locks and keys. Instead, they would secure a chest or other container with a piece of knotted cord. A lump of clay was put over the knot and a seal was pressed into the clay. The cord would have to be cut, or the seal broken in order to open the container and remove the contents.

Blocks of clay also served as a kind of lock for storage spaces and containers. On each one, a relief made by pressing a seal identified the owner. These seals often featured intricate engravings to mark ownership or signify messages.

Where were seals first used in Asia?

The earliest known  seals in ancient China date to the Shang dynasty (1600 to 1046 BC). However, seals came into use in East Asia as a form of written identification since the Qin Dynasty (221 to 206 BC). These were typically made of stone or metal and impressed in  soft clay.

In Asia, the earliest known use of wax seals happened in China, where they were used as early as the Han Dynasty (206 BC to 220 AD). Chinese people would take beeswax and carve their names or symbols into the wax to make their seals.

These seals were then pressed into letters written on paper. They simply folded over one corner of the envelope and applied their seal directly onto it without any additional adornment. Also known as "yìn," wax seals were used to authenticate official documents and important letters in lieu of signatures. From the Tang dynasty a red ink made from cinnabar was normally used to make the stamp.

When did the use of wax seals become widespread?

During the Middle Ages, wax seals were a symbol of power and authority, used by monarchs, bishops, and knights. The use of wax seals became more widespread as sealing documents gained popularity during the medieval times, particularly among the nobility and wealthy merchants. A person's seal was considered to be their signature and was also a symbol of authenticity.

During these times the sealing wax consisted of a mixture of beeswax and Venice turpentine (an extract from the European Larch tree). The wax used for seals was in its natural, uncolored state. As time went on, a vibrant red hue was achieved by incorporating vermilion pigment into the wax mixture. This addition of color added a visually striking element to the seals, making them not just captivating but also distinctive.

The wax was prepared by melting and stirring. The molten mixture was poured into stick-shaped molds. For sealing, the wax stick was held over and melted  with candle or other flame, and dripped onto the document and then the metal signet ring or stamp was pressed on it. The wax would harden, creating a unique impression- a secure and tamper-evident seal. Red wax was the most frequently used, as it was visually striking and difficult to replicate.

During the medieval times wax seals were not just functional but also carried symbolic meaning. The design on a seal, known as the "device," often depicted a coat of arms, crest, monogram, or other significant emblem. These designs represented the seal owner's identity, lineage, or affiliation with a particular organization. It was a way to mark one's possessions, letters, and important documents with a personal touch and establish credibility.

When were wax seals popularized?

Wax seals as we know them today were largely popularized during the Victorian Era by King Henry Vlll around 1540 when he encouraged his subjects to use them in their correspondence letters.

As written correspondence flourished with more and more people getting literate, wax seals became essential for securing letters and ensuring their privacy. Initially, simple knots or ribbons were used, but soon they were replaced by wax impressions bearing distinctive designs.

During the Victorian era, the color of wax used in the seals started to define the message inside and became more relevant than ever. Wax seals gained new heights of symbolism and sophistication as different colors started to  convey different meanings and messages.

Red wax, for instance, was commonly associated with matters of the heart, love and passion. Black colored wax seals symbolized a sense of formality or mourning. Gold and silver conveyed prestige and wealth. They were also reserved for special occasions or important documents.

What about the wax seals with intricate designs and colors?

When I think of the Regency era, flashbacks of high style and grandeur of popular Netflix series Bridgerton come to my mind. What about you?

In addition to the symbolic meanings associated with certain colors, more and more colors started to came into play to enhance the overall aesthetic and sentiments of the correspondence during the regency era- the times of romanticism and sentimentality.

Soft pastel shades, such as pink or pale blue, were often used to convey tenderness and affection. For instance, white wax represented purity and innocence, while green symbolized hope and new beginnings.

Why did the use of wax seals decline?

However by the mid-to-late 19th century, with the advent and widespread use of pre-gummed envelopes and printing technologies, wax seals became less common. The convenience and efficiency of adhesive envelopes made wax seals less necessary for securing correspondence. Their use eventually declined and they diminished from everyday life.

How Wax Seals have gotten back in vogue?

The charm and elegance associated with wax seals continued to capture people through movies. Let me think of some movies that I have seen which had wax seals in them. Les Miserables (1998), The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001) Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2001), The Da Vinci Code (2006), Pirates of the Caribbean: A Dead Man's Chest (2006), The King's Speech (2010).

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in wax seals. In the digital era that we live in today where emails and DMs are the major form of communication, many individuals and businesses have rediscovered the allure of wax seals and are embracing the art of wax seals to add a touch of luxury, personalization and beauty to their correspondence. Needless to say that wax seals add a touch of nostalgia and make for a good tactile and visual experience.

Conclusion

Wax seals have transcended borders and cultures, leaving an indelible mark on history. Each civilization and culture has embraced wax seals in their own unique way, weaving them into the fabric of their traditions and customs.

Wax seals have come a long way and in recent times have become a cherished form of self-expression and a way to create a lasting impression. Wax seals are now considered a form of craftsmanship, with various stamp designs, wax colors, and embellishments available for creating unique and personalized seals. The versatility and creativity of wax seal usage have made them popular among those who appreciate the art of handcrafted details.

Do you want
artful invitations?

Hi, I’m Kriti Basra. I’m determined
to make timeless paper goods
for exceptional couples.
My only question is, will they be yours?

Kriti is an illustrator, calligrapher and designer based in Gurugram, India who serves couples worldwide. She creates fine art + romantic wedding stationery for Indian and South Asian Weddings.

Connect with me

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Do you want
artful invitations?

Hi, I’m Kriti Basra. I’m determined
to make timeless paper goods
for exceptional couples.
My only question is, will they be yours?