A CARVED AND DATED BAMBOO SEAL QING DYANSTY, 18TH CENTURY

of rhinoceros horn form, finely carved from a rhizome leaving slender roots, neatly incised to the side with vertical inscriptions reading jiwei yuandan shidao. Shi Nan and Gongguan hua bo canzheng ('Shi Nan testing his knife on the first day of jiwei year for his painter uncle Gongguan's pleasant assessment'), the seal face carved with the name Gongguan, the bamboo patinated to a reddish brown tone

The seal face has a 0.5 x 0.2cm nick at the rim near the bottom. There are two 3cm age cracks at the side running into the seal face, and other shorter vertical age cracks at the side. Apart from other natural nicks, the seal is in reasonably good condition.
"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."