A TIANHUANG 'BAMBOO' SEAL LATE QING DYNASTY, EARLY 20TH CENTURY

naturalistically carved in the form of a segment of a large bamboo shoot with two attendant shoots, one bearing clusters of leaves, the top flat top incised with an inscription reading Gongbei Guancha Furen ming zhuan, shuli You Guanlan zuo ('on the order of Madam Observer of Gongbei, carved by subordinate You Guanlan'), the seal face carved with a seven-character inscription reading jinhua Zhang Jingfeng shuhua ('Calligraphy and paintings of Zhang Jingfeng, Jinhua'), cluster of bamboo stems and groves, the latter issuing pendent leaves, carved on one side with two characters reading Yi Fan, the stone of a warm caramel-brown colour

The top edge on the reverse has been slightly polished down. The bottom left edge has a shallow bruise which has also been slightly polished. There is a tiny nick to the bottom right corner of the seal face. The stone also has some typical surface scratches. The catalogue illustration is brighter than the actual object.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."