A RARE SILVER SEAL NORTHERN SONG DYNASTY, DATED 1013 AD

powerfully modelled as a chimera, its horned head turned to one side with jaws open baring strong fangs and its protruding eyes glaring beneath heavy brows, the short powerful forelegs with small wings at the top, the rear legs splayed, divided by the broad pendant tail, the coat indicated by short incised locks and even ring-punched scrolls, seated on a bed of cloud-like rocks, the underside of the base with an inscription in angular seal script reading 'respectfully made by the Jewellery Section of the Palace Maintenance Office in the year guichou (1013 A.D.) of the Dazhong Xiangfu period of the exalted Song Dynasty'

Sotheby's Hong Kong, 25 April 2004, lot 104

Sotheby's London, 11 June 1991, lot 16

The seal is in overall very good condition. It has a small bruise (ca. 0.3cm) to the right hand hind (just visible in the 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 reads and can be translated as follows:

Huang Song

Dazhong Xiangfu guichou

Xiuneisi Yinzuofang

Qian zhi

 

Imperial Song

Made with respect in the

Silver Workshop (Yinzuofang)

of the Palace Maintenance Office (Xiuneisi)

In the guichou year of the Dazhong Xiangfu year (equivalent to 1013 AD)

Another seal of this type, possibly of the same set, was included in The Exhibition of Chinese Gold and Silver, Yin Chuan Tang Ltd., Hong Kong, 1989, n. cat.

For the prototype of the Han or Six Dynasties period compare a gilt-bronze sleeve weight from the Szekeres Collection, included in the exhibition The China Institute in America. Selections of Chinese Art from Private Collections, New York, 1986, cat. no. 27.