A finely carved and rare pair of 'dragon' baifurong seals Qing dynasty, 18th Century

each of square section forming a pedestal for a crouching dragon, its details intricately and precisely carved, its muscular body with the limbs outstretched resting on its haunches, one with its face turned to the left, and the other to the right, the snarling head surmounted by two long curling horns, its long bifurcated tail curled under its haunch, the seal left uncut without a seal impression, the stone of a translucent creamy-beige tone 

There are expected nibbles to the edges of both seals due to handling and use. To the seal on the LHS, there is some nibbling to the tail and one of the horns. There is a natural fissure running which across the reverse of the seal. To the seal on the RHS, there is light nibbling to the horns and tail. Otherwise the pair is in very good condition overall. There is a natural fissure that runs across the beast and onto the seal face, and natural fissures which run on the front and sides, 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."

Baifurong stone is characterized by its close resemblance to jade, and like tianhuang, was mined in the Shoushan area in the Fujian province.  By the late Qing dynasty, baifurong had become extremely rare and highly valued, and was listed, together with tianhuang and Changhua stone as the 'Three Treasures' of seal stones. 

Compare a similar baifurong seal of a crouching mythical beast, sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 24th October 1993, lot 505.