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A carved cylinder stamping a name in red ink.
Also known as: Inkan, Chop, East Asian seal, Red name stamp
A hanko is a personal seal used in place of a signature across East Asia, and in Japan a registered inkan carries full legal force on contracts and property transactions. It is not a decorative stamp — it is the legal instrument.
Denotes a personal seal carved with a name, stamped in red paste to authenticate documents in Japan, China and Korea.
Contexts: History
Carries legal force in Japan when registered with a local authority as a jitsuin, and is required for property and major contractual transactions.
Contexts: History
Is stamped in a vermilion paste rather than liquid ink, which is what gives the characteristic dense red impression.
Contexts: History
Has been the subject of policy attempts to reduce its use in Japanese administration, which is documented and ongoing.
Contexts: History
A short cylindrical or square rod of stone, wood or ivory with characters carved in relief on one end, stamping a dense red impression.