A Tianhuang 'Lion' Seal Qing Dynasty

of rounded rectangular section surmounted on one of the long sides by a recumbent fu lion, its head held between its outstretched forepaws, the body hunched and detailed overall as combed fur with trifurcated tail, the stone of a warm golden-orange colour with a small reddish-brown inclusion, the seal face uncarved

Sotheby's Hong Kong, 2nd November 1998, lot 480.

The corners have been possibly been rounded to cover up flaws in the stone. There are a few minute nicks to the rounded corners. There is a short red streak on the back side below the tail of the lion. The colour is a bit paler than the catalogue photo and the size of the seal has been enlarged in 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 charming tianhuang seal is notable for the naturalistic rendering of the crouching lion, evident in the finely carved locks of hair that fall to either side of the spine and its forward crouching pose which is reminiscent of carvings of the Song dynasty. A similarly carved tianhuang seal of a lion and cub was sold in these rooms, 9th October 2007, lot 1513. Stylistically, tianhuang carvings are similar to those of jade; compare a jade lion sold in these rooms, 8th October 2008, lot 2712; and a lion modelled in a similar pose, attributed to the Song dynasty, included in the exhibition Chinese Jade Animals, Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong, 1996, cat. no. 84.