Why do scholars yearn for "gold and purple"? Explore the Han Dynasty seal system!

In the Han Dynasty, "xi" (for emperors and kings) and "yin" (for officials and private use) were symbols of political power and social status, as well as proof of credit. The forms of seal knobs include: inverted bucket knobs, bridge-shaped knobs, turtle knobs, and chi-tiger knobs. The ribbons attached to the knobs include green, purple, blue, black, and yellow ribbons. Han Dynasty officials usually carried their seals in a pouch at their waist, with the ribbon hanging outside. "Gold and purple" was the pursuit of countless scholars. The higher the status, the longer and finer the ribbon. If one held multiple positions, they needed to wear multiple seals and ribbons. In cases of promotion, retirement, or conviction, officials needed to return their seals and ribbons. "Returning seals and ribbons" became synonymous with resigning or being dismissed. In the Han Dynasty, the system of official clothing colors had not yet appeared. The symbols used to distinguish official ranks were the hats worn by officials and the seals and ribbons worn at their waists. Civil officials wore jin xian hats, with the number of hat beams indicating rank. Military officials wore wu bian da hats, which did not indicate rank. The material and shape of official seals were clearly regulated according to rank. Vassal kings used gold seals with turtle knobs. Marquises, chancellors, and grand marshals used gold seals with turtle knobs. Officials with salaries between 2,000 and 200 shi used copper seals with nose knobs. Officials with salaries below 200 shi used half-pass seals, which were also made of copper. The seals given to minority leaders in the Han Dynasty often had camel or snake knobs. Civil officials generally used cast seals, while military officials in urgent need of "urgent seals" or seals issued to minority officials used carved seals.