A soapstone seal with mythical beast finial
8238
Property from a Phoenix, Arizona Collection
A soapstone seal with mythical beast finial
Carved in stone of semi-translucent caramel hue with mottled white inclusions, surmounted by a recumbent winged and whiskered creature curled around a flaming pearl amid waves, one side incised with an inscription attributing the seal to the plain yellow banner leader of the Oroqen tribe and bearing a date of the 22nd year of the Qianlong reign (1757); the base densely incised in stylized Han and/or Manchu script (large chip to base).
3 1/2in (9cm) high
Estimate:
US$ 1,500 - 2,000
£960 - 1,300
€1,100 - 1,500

Footnotes

  • A bronze seal with a similar inscription but dated to the Guangxu era is currently in the collection of the Beijing Cultural Palace of Nationalities.

Category: Asian Art

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Angela Lee Bonhams
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Auction Administration - Asian Art