2 . 阅读下面材料,在空白处填入适当的内容(1个单词)或括号内单词的正确形式。
When foreigners negotiate, or register in certain areas of China, they may be 1 (surprise) at Chinese’s special fondness and preference for seals. To Chinese, seals are an art of deep cultural roots, 2 combines the essence of both calligraphy(书法) and sculpture and inspires generations to study, to appreciate and to collect.
It is believed that seals came out as early 3 8,000 years ago after our ancestors could make pottery wares(陶瓷)and had private property. They were assumed to make marks on 4 (they) own possessions to prevent them from being stolen. When the first dynasty 5 (found),the king began to use seals to empower(授权)and to show lordly credits. Only the king’s special seal was then called “Xi”, 6 (represent) the highest authority. The first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, had his “Xi” 7 (make) out of the invaluable and beautiful jade “Heshi Bi”.
Then the local governments also needed seals for 8 same function. Meanwhile, private seals were carved in a variety of lucky 9 (character)and vivid animal patterns. 10 (gradual). the sphragistics (印章学) came into being.