| Stamps are a common feature in most organizations | | | | custom stamps were called Yin during the Tang |
| and offices. They are used to signify the identity of a | | | | Dynasty. Soon, the stamp culture spread beyond |
| person or organization. A simple stamp is made of a | | | | China and left its mark on the entire world. |
| carved, moulded or engraved sheet of rubber. The | | | | Today, commercial rubber stamps can be broadly |
| imprint is made using either a dye or pigment, popularly | | | | divided into two categories, those used in offices and |
| known as ink. | | | | other commercial organizations and those used as |
| The rubber is often mounted onto a more stable | | | | decortive items or children's playtoys. The former |
| object such as a wooden or acrylic block to produce | | | | category is usually used as a permanent |
| a more solid instrument. The ink coated rubberstamp is | | | | representation of a party's official name or logo. These |
| then pressed onto any medium, usually a piece of | | | | stamps can be used as legal proofs in a court of law. |
| paper or fabric, to get the impression transferred onto | | | | The art stamps are fast growing in popularity as |
| it. | | | | decorative items. These come in a variety of colors, |
| Rubber stamps were invented in ancient China during | | | | shapes and designs and are used to decorate fabrics, |
| the reign of the Qin Dynasty. The rubber stamp was a | | | | envelopes, greeting cards, pottery and other |
| carving that was originally used as an imperial seal by | | | | decorative pieces. |
| the emperor to approve all documents. The royal seal | | | | The use of rubber stamps for a variety of purposes is |
| was called the Xi, which translated into 'the imperial | | | | growing with every passing day. May it be for |
| seal'. During that period, these stamps were used only | | | | stamping important and confidential documents or |
| by royalty. | | | | decorating a birthday card for a friend, the use of |
| Further development in seals saw those used by | | | | these simple objects is universal. |
| individuals as a personalized stamp. These non-official | | | | |