A MASSIVE IMPERIAL KHOTAN GREEN JADE 'BA ZHENG MAO NIAN ZHI BAO' SEAL QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

finely carved of large square form, surmounted by a pair of addorsed dragons, each powerfully carved with eyes bulging and nostrils flaring above jaws bearing sharp teeth, the two scaly bodies tightly intertwined crouching on their haunches and pierced through the centre with an aperture, the square seal deeply and crisply carved with the characters Ba zheng mao nian zhi bao, (Treasure of concern over phenomena at eighty) the stone of deep fern green with natural veining

Acquired in Paris in the 1970's.

This fine seal is in excellent condition with the exception of four tiny nicks to the edges ( as illustrated in the catalogue on p.87 and the front cover: a 3mm., wide shallow nick to the bottom right side front edge of the base , two 1mm., wide shallow nicks on the vertical right edge, a 1mm shallow nick to the rear left corner of the base and a 1mm shallow nick to one character). It should be noted that the green stone is of a slightly warmer tone than the catalogue illustration would suggest.
"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."