A FINELY CARVED SMALL TIANHUANG 'LION' SEAL 17TH / 18TH CENTURY

of square section forming a pedestal for a reclining lion and its cub, their details intricately and precisely carved, the muscular body of the larger beast curled up resting on its haunches and propped by its forepaws with sharp talons, its face framed by pointed ears lying flat against the wavy curls of the beast's thick mane, the raised spine and tail delicately picked out with scrolling locks, the cub clambering playfully on the larger beast's bushy tail, the seal face carved with the characters Mo dan bi shu, the stone of an intense deep orange tone

There are small expected nibbles due to use at the edge of the seal face, and natural flaws to the stone, as visible in the catalogue. The piece is otherwise in very good condition overall. There is some black speckling to the reverse of the seal, as visible in the catalogue.
"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."

The large lion (dashi) and the cub (xiaoshi) represents the wish for one's descendants to achieve high rank (taishi shao shi).  The two lions are puns for these high ranks in ancient China.   

The present seal represents the skills and technical achievement of the carvers at the time.  Although small in size, it is meticulously and intricately carved, and the quality of the stone is exceptionally rich.  For a similar carving of a lion with its playful cub, compare a tianhuang seal signed Yuxuan, offered in these rooms, 1st November 1999, lot 498.