Museums and modern archeological studies usually use the general term “copper alloy” instead of just the term “bronze” to describe these ancient treasures, as many other elements (such as tin, lead, zinc, iron, and even arsenic) were added to the copper to form different strengths of types of bronze items.  Antique bronze artifacts such as this seal are probably about 80% copper and 20% tin, while modern bronze is closer to 88% copper and 12% tin.

This seal has a beautiful, old patina with some signs of oxidation of the two main elements (tin and copper) that make up this official seal.  One interesting property of bronze is that once it has oxidized superficially, a copper oxide layer is formed on the surface and essentially protects the object from further damaging corrosion.  This protective layer turns in another compound, called copper carbonate for you scientists, that protects most bronze pieces from even corrosive saltwater. 

TRANSLATION

This amazing seal contains three (3) ancient Chinese compound characters or words that are cast in "Small Seal Script" or "Lesser Seal Script"---an ancient form of Chinese calligraphy called Ku'wen.  Unlike English, Chinese is read starting at the right side and moving down.  My ancient Chinese is a bit rusty, but I've provided my best translation below.

This seal was cast with the 3 compound characters that would correctly appear in a positive image when it was stamped on paper.  So one must "flip" the image shown in the first photo or use its "mirror image" to correctly orient the characters.

The character on the top is "Yao" which in this case means the Orchestration of Music with bells and drums.  This character is pictorial and you can see a wooden stand holding the bell in the center, with the 4 drums surrounding it.

The middle compound character is based on the Chinese word "Mei" which means the sweet, gentle lamb.  You can see the horns on the top with the 4 legs sticking out from the central body.  The two stick-like figures represent many men singing--or what we would call a choir.  Thus, this Chinese character represents the beautiful music made by a choir!

And the final character on the bottom is "T'ang" that represents a concert hall in which the Orchestra and Choir would have preformed.

In addition, there are two Chinese characters on the top of the stamp (see photo #6) that I have not translated, but may be the name of the conductor.

You will not be disappointed!  It is exceeding rare and museum quality ancient Chinese work of art. 

It is a wonderful piece and would look great displayed next to your other fine ancient Chinese jade and bronze pieces! 

I hate to sell this one, as it is currently in my personal collection, but economic times are tough and I must do so.