A RARE IMPERIAL GILT-BRONZE DRAGON PAPERWEIGHT QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

of rectangular shape, set with a ferocious dragon standing above a raised radiating boss, its scaly back arched to form the handle, the base flanked by a pair of full-frontal dragons in relief, with two pairs of further dragons confronting 'flaming pearls', all reserved on a ground decorated with flying bats and clouds, the reverse cast with a poem dedicated to the Qianlong emperor, signed Liu Yong

Christie's Hong Kong, 27th April 1997, lot 39.

The overall condition is very good. The casting on the top is in very good condition. The underside has a 1 cm stress crack on the lower left edge and a long scratch to the bronze surface. The casting of the characters is very crisp.
"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."

Compare a seal of slightly smaller proportions similarly composed and cast with writhing dragons, dated to the fourth month of the third year of Qianlong (1740), sold in our New York rooms, 5^th December 1982, lot 206. The design of the present piece, with its surmounted dragon handle, is reminiscent of scroll weights; see an earlier iron and gilt bronze example cast with a chilong, from the Mary and George Bloch collection, sold in these rooms, 23^rd October 2005, lot 3; and a jade version depicting two crawling chilong, included in the exhibition Splendours of China's Forbidden City. The Glorious Reign of Emperor Qianlong, The Field Museum, Chicago, 2004, cat. no. 88.

Liu Yong (1720-1804), from Zhucheng, Shangong, was a high-ranking official and learned scholar who was recognised for his calligraphy in the Qianlong emperor's court.