A Very Fine Set of Two Tianhuang Seals (with Later Inscriptions) Qing Dynasty

both of square section but slightly different heights, the seal face of the larger one later carved with eight raised characters in seal script Qingqi ruo lan xuhuai dang zhu ('Righteous like the orchid, modest as the bamboo'), the other similarly incised with six characters in seal script reading Zhizu suiyuan chu'an ('Be content, follow one's fate and stay calm'), each signed to the side with two characters in running script reading Yunshu, the stones of opaque honey colour with characteristic veining

Sotheby's Hong Kong, 1st November 1999, lot 494.

The overall condition is very good with the exception of a minor nick to one of the seal faces. The stones are a tinge darker 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."

The beauty of these seals is only fully appreciated upon holding them: while the vibrant hues that subtly swirl through each are emphasised by the simplicity of their rectangular form, it is the tactility of their smooth surfaces and weightiness that delight. As tianhuang was traditionally valued according to weight rather than size, it was one of the most expensive materials for creating works of art.

Tianhuang was mined in the Shoushan area in Fujian province and has long been considered the rival material to the finest and purest jade used for making items for imperial use. The auspiciousness of the stone is captured in both its name and the region where it is mined: huang, or 'yellow', is homophonous with the word 'emperor' while the character shou from Shoushan means 'longevity' and the character fu in Fujian means 'fortune'; hence the word tianhuang conveys the message of good fortune and longevity for the emperor. It has been suggested that during the Qing dynasty a piece of tianhuang had to be present on the altar when the emperor gave worship to the Heavens.

Tianhuang appears to have been first used to produce seals in the 17th century when the prominent sculptor Wen Peng carved one such seal for the emperor. Several tianhuang seals of this form are held in the Palace Museum, Beijing, including one illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Ancient Seals, Hong Kong, 2008, pl. 427; and in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, such as three published in Lasting Impressions. Seals from the Museum Collection, Taipei, 2007, p. 90.