4. Seal with Arabic Script

This small seal, about 4 x 5 x 6 cms packs a large punch. On the base of this seal is a record of a conversation between the Emperor Tang Taizong 7^th C, and an official, Xu Jingzong. Tang Taizong asks the official Xu:

“In among the officials at the court, you are the only one who has both talents and virtue. How come that there are still people pointing their fingers at you?”  Xu  answers:

“The rain in the Spring is very precious to the farmers as it benefits the crops but is disliked by people walking about as the road can become muddy. The moon in the Autumn is like a mirror. Its brightness is appreciated by the beauties but hated by the thieves. Nothing in this world can please everyone, let alone myself. I do not have delicacies such as lamb and wine to entertain and please people. It is better not to listen to hearsay and once heard, it is better not to believe it.”

Why was a seal produced in the 19^th C with this 7^th C text in Chinese and why does the seal have Arabic writing round the side?