A pair of baitian seals Qing Dynasty

each of square columnar form with an irregular rounded top, the face left un-carved, the smooth polished variegated stone of creamy ivory tone with a fine internal network of lobo wen 'radish' white veins

The overall condition is very good. There are three minute nicks to one of the seal faces.
"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."

Baitian stones, literally meaning 'white field', are the white coloured variety of the shoushan soapstone family and are found in the Shoushan district thirty kilometers north of Fuzhou City in Fujian province.  Shoushan soapstones come in varieties of red (hongtian), black (heitian), white (baitian) and the most celebrated variety, yellow (tianhuang).  Baitiian are prized for their 'mutton fat' and pale green colours, as well as the fine network of veins resembling a cut radish, lobo wen (radish pattern), which features quite prominently on the present lot.  A combination of tianhuang and baitian is called tianjingying or 'gold and silver'. 

Compare with a smaller seal illustrated in the Chang Foundation, Chinese Works of Art - Selected Stone Seals, Taiwan, 1990, cat. no. 49.