This interesting seal is in the Shanghai Museum. According to the museum label “Qian Chang, active in the Northern Song dynasty, also known by his designated name Shirui, died in 1128. He held the position of the vice chair of Shumiyuan (Bureau of Military Affairs) but was demoted to the governor of Huzhou.”
The two characters carved into the seal are 家信 (jia xin), written right to left, with the meaning of “letter to/from home.” The characters are stylized to the point of unreadability but, in their abstract design, look very modern.
The seal was made from huangyangmu wood. There are many examples of wooden seals in the imperial collection, though far outnumbered by those carved from stone—especially after the Ming dynasty.
The museum has fifteen wooden seals by this artist. Here’s another example. The two characters, from right to left, are jia shu 家書, or “a letter to/from home.”
I’m not sure how these are meant to be used but, again, the design is playful and remarkably modern.
In the center of this seal is a picture of the rabbit, called Yutu in Chinese, who lives on the moon, pounding the elixer of life. For more on this story do a search for Moon Rabbit or Jade Rabbit.
Here’s another interesting design that combines both yin and yang characters; 白文 baiwen means white writing, 朱文 zhuwhen means red writing.
Another with a clever design from this highly creative seal carver. These are currently the only seals from this group of fifteen that are on view in the museum.