A CARVED IVORY 'RAM' SEAL QING DYNASTY, KANGXI PERIOD

of rectangular form, the top naturalistically carved with a recumbent ram with his head turned to the right, the ivory of creamy color with brown patina

Bluett & Sons, London, June 1979.

Arts from the Scholar's Studio, Fung Ping Shan Museum, University of Hong Kong, 1986, cat. no. 98.

The overall condition is very good. One side of the ram's mouth is slightly less defined due to rubbing and handling. The seal has a very attractive yellow patina on the backside along with age cracks throughout. The seal face is not carved. The actual size is about 60% smaller than 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."

The ram figure is most realistically rendered and provides a showcase for the high level of technical ability and observational skill exercised by early Qing ivory carvers. The broad-tailed ram was regarded as a rarity, although traditionally rams and sheep have been part of the jade carvers' repertoire from as early as the Song dynasty; for example see a late Song jade carving of a recumbent ram published in James C. Y. Watt, Chinese Jades from Han to Ch'ing, New York, 1980, pl. 45. 

Compare an ivory seal carved with a ram included in the Oriental Ceramic Society exhibition, Chinese Ivories from the Shang to the Qing, the British Museum, London, 1984, cat. no. 226, together with a seal worked with a lion, cat. no. 224, and a rabbit, cat. no. 225, all attributed to the Qing period.  Another ivory seal of this type carved with a seated lioness, from the collection of Robert H. Bluemenfield, was sold at Christie's New York, 25^th March 2010, lot 940. 

Ram (yang) in Chinese is a homophone for the word that represents the male principle or positive energy (yang). Hence traditionally rams have been associated with the notion of a new life that sees the end of winter and the beginning of spring.