Daoist Seal, 960-1279, Liu Ching K'o, 3 x 2 5/8 x 2 3/8 in. (7.62 x 6.67 x 6.03 cm), Brown glazed stoneware with engraved characters., China, 10th-13th century, The inscriptions of this large stoneware seal can be read as tao ching shih pao, which may be translated as 'seal of the master of Daoist classics.' The right side of the seal block is inscribed with the name of the seal maker or its owner Liu Ching-k'o. The top side of the seal is inscribed 'tian shan tsun' which may be translated as 'respected in the heavens.' The other two sides were each inscribed with the character hsia and tsuo (down and left) indicating the correct orientation when using the seal. The oddly shaped knob probably represents the standard hat of a Daoist deity.