A BAIFURONG 'DRAGON' SEAL BY JIN YUMIN, REPUBLICAN PERIOD

of tall rectangular form and square cross-section, the straight sides left plain save for a continuous band of archaistic kui dragons on a keyfret ground, one side further incised with a small cartouche containing the signature Shangjun near the top of the seal, the top carved with two archaistic addorsed kui dragons in low relief, the chest of one beast incised with the artist's name Yumin, the stone of a creamy-white colour, the seal face left uncut

Gerald Tsang and Hugh Moss, Arts from the Scholar's Studio, Fung Ping Shan Museum, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 1986, cat. no. 43.

Apart from a minute nick on the undecorated area of one edge, and minor scratches, the seal is in good condition. The colour is a much more attractive creamy-white colour than in the catalogue photo, where it has too much of an orange tint.
"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 present seal carved in low relief is described by Gerard Tsang and Hugh Moss, Arts from the Scholar's Studio, Hong Kong, 1986, p. 84, as a work that "allows the highly valued stone, with its subtle texturing and colour, to speak for itself while overlaying a level of sculptural expression of great elegance." Inscribed with the
signature ‘Shangjun’ inside a small cartouche, it had always been considered a work by the 17th century carver Zhou Bin. It was only after its sale in these rooms, 8th October 2010, lot 2238, that the mark of the renowned Republican period carver Jin Yumin (1906-82) was discovered concealed on the chest of a dragon.

One of a set of three seals, all three were included in the exhibition Arts from the Scholar’s Studio, Fung Ping Shan Museum, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 1986, cat. no. 43.

Jin Yumin (1906-82) was born in Beijing and a pupil of Shou Shigong (1885-1950). He studied a wide variety of ancient seals, particularly those of the Han dynasty, and was known for his fine calligraphy and seal carving. He served as advisor of the Chinese Painting and Calligraphy Society, was an honorary advisory at the Jiangxi University Calligraphy Association, along with several other notable posts. A selection of his seals are illustrated in Jin Yumin yincun [Collection of Jin Yumin’s seals], Hunan, 1983.