Below: one of the smallest but most eye-catching lots at the Oriental sale at Bonhams Edinburgh (25% buyer’s premium) was two 4¼in (11cm) high Manchu officials’ bronze seals.
Each was inscribed with a date corresponding to 1750 and, in Han and Manchu script, words translating as Ministry of Military; Made by Ministry of Rite, with one stating it was the Seal of Temporary Headquarters of Ritual, the other the Seal of Temporary Headquarters of Human Resources.