AN IMPRESSIVE SOAPSTONE SEAL QING DYNASTY, 19TH CENTURY

the square-section seal finely carved in high relief to the contoured top with a large chilong writhing amongst smaller chilong clambering up the sides and top amidst scrolling clouds, the straight sides left plain but for a small inscription Zhou Yong Gong Juan, the seal surface carved in zhuanshu script showing six characters Heshuo Yi Qinwang Zhang

Charles T. Killie, Presbyterian Mission, Beijing, early 20th century.
Col. H. M. Boies, Scranton, Pennsylvania, early 20th century.  

The seal is in overall good condition. There are some expected minor scratches, nicks and bruises to the chilong group, with the largest chip measuring only 0.4 cm. There is also a 0.7 cm nick to the top right corner of the seal face, together with a 0.5 cm bruise to the bottom right corner. Certain strokes of the characters on the seal face have minute nicks, including one of about 0.8 cm to the character "Yi". The actual colour of the seal is slightly lighter than the catalogue illustration.
"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."

This seal belonged to one of the four princes in the 19th Century who bore the title of Heshuo Yi Qinwang. Princes of the same rank in the 18th Century bore slightly different titles, hence along with the style of carving, this seal can be firmly dated to the 19th Century.

This seal is remarkable for its impressive size and quality of carving, with the chilong dragons emerging and disappearing among clouds in imitation of the Song style of painting dragons. For a soapstone seal with a similarly carved top made for the Jiaqing Emperor in the Palace Museum Collection, see Imperial Seals from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, Beijing, 1996, pl. 239. Another related soapstone seal carved with dragons made for the Qianlong Emperor formerly in the Emile Guimet Collection sold in these rooms, 8th October 2009, lot 1652.