A SOAPSTONE 'LION' SEAL THE SEAL, QING DYNASTY, 17TH - 18TH CENTURY THE BOX, QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

of square section forming a pedestal for a finely carved reclining lion, its body curled up resting on its haunches and propped by its forepaws and sharp talons, its head turned sharply to the right, with its snarling face framed by rounded ears against the wavy mane and trifurcated tail, the raised spine picked-out with fine lines, the seal face carved with the characters Zhi zhong han he ('maintaining balance and harmony'), the smoothly polished stone of dark brown tone; together with a zitan box and cover with carved four-characters, Zhi zhong han he within a single-lined border

The overall condition is quite good with minor chips to one corner of the seal face, a polished chip to the corner near the tail and a few minor nicks to the sides. The box is in very good condition overall with only some light scratches and dents. The actual colour is a bit deeper in tone than 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."

It is well-known that Qianlong admired the Han culture and studied the writings of Confucius and Mencius.  He understood that in order to control the vast Han ethnic majority who had an older and more advanced social foundation, a thorough understanding of traditional Han culture was crucial.  It was this awareness in combination with its own strength and cultural consciousness that the Qing was able to maintain the long last and stable dynasty.  His profound learning in high Chinese culture is clearly reflected in his imperial seals.  Many of the seal inscriptions were directly or indirectly derived from Chinese classics and history.

Zhi zhong han he ('maintaining balance and harmony') was derived from Huainaizi, a Han dynasty philosophical classic that combined ideas from Daoist, Confucianist and Legalist.  It is closely tied to Qianlong's political thinking and implementation following the Doctrine of the Mean.   In having an orderly state, one must find the "middle way" to establish a state of constant equilibrium.  Several Qianlong imperial seals are inscribed with zhi zhong or han he following the doctrine of the "middle way".  It serves as an important guiding principal as Qianlong creatively synthesised elements from several political traditions to grasp control over a complex, multi-ethnic empire.