Collection: Seal Case

A Box to Protect Important Seals, Such as Signature Seals

Keep your carefully carved seals in a dedicated box.
An inbako (seal box) protects valuable seals from scratches and dirt.
Most seal materials used in seal engraving are stone. While stone may seem hard and durable, the tips of seals are actually very delicate.
Even a slight impact can cause chips or cracks.
Of course, you want to avoid accidentally dropping them, but it can happen.
It would be a great shame if a seal you carefully carved with such effort were damaged.

Because each seal is one of a kind, it deserves careful storage.
By keeping your important seals in an inbako, even if they are dropped by accident, the box acts as a cushion and protects the seal.
Most boxes also come with padding to keep the seal from moving inside, so you can rest assured.
When doing seal engraving, we recommend using a seal box together with your seals.

Perfect for Gifting Seal Materials

When giving an original seal as a gift, be sure to present it in a seal box.
A seal neatly placed in a box conveys sincerity to the recipient.
They will surely appreciate it and treasure the seal you give.
If it’s a gift, including a sheet stamped with the seal impression inside the box makes it even more special.

Seal Box CategoriesHude Category

We offer seal boxes categorized by type.
When counting seal materials, we use the terms Ikka (one piece), Nika (two pieces), and Sanka (three pieces).
A set of three (Sanka) refers to the three types of seals: Kanbo-in, Hakubun-in, and Shubun-in.
It is generally considered proper to press these three seals together on calligraphy or painting works.
Choose the right size box according to the number and size of your seals to keep them safe.

Ikka

Nika

Sanka

Seal Box ColumnINBAKO Column

What Is a Sanka Seal Box?

Three Together to Create Your Ideal Set

A calligraphy or painting work is not considered complete until a seal is pressed to indicate the author.
A Sanka set refers to three seals: the Kanbo-in, Hakubun-in, and Shubun-in, which are regarded as the standard combination.
A seal box designed for Sanka sets allows you to keep these three seals together as a set.

How to Properly Press the Three Seals

There is no absolute rule for how many seals to press or where to place them on a work.
The impression given by the piece can be enhanced or diminished depending on how the seals are applied.
The placement also depends on the balance between the work and the blank space. If there is little blank space, sometimes only one seal is used.
There is no single correct answer, so adjust the placement of seals to achieve the best balance for each work.

1. Kanbo-in

A vertical seal usually placed on the upper right of a calligraphy or painting work, also called Inshu-in.
The content varies depending on the artist, but auspicious phrases or words that enhance the work are often chosen.
Sometimes the Kanbo-in is omitted.

2. Hakubun-in

A square seal usually placed near the lower left of the work, often beneath the author’s handwritten name.
It contains the artist’s real name (full name or family name).
As the name suggests, the characters are carved so they appear white, leaving the background red.
Because much of the seal is red, it gives a strong presence.

3. Shubun-in

A square seal placed below the Hakubun-in at the lower left of the work.
It contains the artist’s pseudonym (Gagō), a pen name different from the real name.
Here, the characters and border are left raised, so they appear red while the rest is carved away.
This results in less red area and a more subdued impression compared to the Hakubun-in.