AN ARCHAISTIC TIANHUANG 'KUI DRAGON' SEAL QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

of upright rectangular section, the top finely carved in low relief with an archaistic kui dragon with angular scrolling body and bifid tail, writhing above a border of key-fret encircling the edges, the seal face carved with the five characters Chengqu Yuan zhuren ('Master of the Garden of Discovered Amusement') in positive seal script, inscribed Zhutang zuo ('Made in the Bamboo Hall') near the bottom on one side, the translucent stone varying in tone from yellow-orange to amber-brown with russet inclusions and characteristic veining

There are some nicks around the seal face but overall the seal is in very good condition and finished to a smooth polish. The actual colour is quite close to 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."

The inscription on the side of this piece, Zhutang zuo ('Made in the Bamboo Hall'), indicates the place of manufacture while the owner of the seal can be identified as Chenggu Yuan zhuren('Master of the Garden of Discovered Amusement').

A rare and traditionally the most valuable type of soapstone as it was graded and priced according to colour and weight, this tianhuang seal is notable for its multi-faceted hues. The restrained decoration, limited to an archaistic dragon carved in low-relief at the top of the seal and a narrow key-fret band, allows for full appreciation of the natural beauty of the stone. The present seal is fashioned from a particularly valued variety, dongshi (‘frozen stone’), which derives its name from the natural inclusions of the stone that resemble markings found on ice. Compare two soapstone seals similarly decorated with an archaistic top and a narrow band encircling the edge included in the exhibition, The Art of Chinese Seals Though the Ages, Zhejiang Provincial Museum, Zhejiang, 2000, cat. nos 479 and 480.