Inscribed artifact testifies to Qin Dynasty's standardization of weights

This quan (standard weight) was issued by the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC) government, after Emperor Qin Shi Huang unified China and standardized the nation's system of weights and measures.

It is a hollow octagon, with a horizontal rectangular bar over the upper mouth of the hollow center. The Chinese characters "xun yi" (a place name, now in Shaanxi province) are cast in relief seal script on either side of the bar. Imperial decrees from Qin Shi Huang and the second emperor Qin Er Shi appear in small seal script on the eight faces of the quan. This is a rare example of a Qin Dynasty quan weight inscribed with two imperial commands. Collection: Tianjin Museum.