AN IMPERIAL GREYISH CELADON JADE SEAL QING DYNASTY, GUANGXU PERIOD, SEAL OF EMPRESS DOWAGER CIXI (1835-1908)

of rectangular form, surmounted by a pair of addorsed dragons, each powerfully carved with bulging eyes and nostrils flaring above curling whiskers and clenched mouths bearing sharp fangs, the two scaly bodies tightly intertwined and crouching on the haunches, pierced through the centre with an aperture, the seal face crisply carved with the characters Lijing Xuan yulan (Imperially Appreciated at the Belvedere of Enchanting Scenery), all encircled by a band of phoenix and leafy bamboo, the stone of a greyish celadon tone with milky-white inclusions

There is a 5mm by 2mm chip to the base on one side with an associated crack running diagonally up the side. There is also minor nicks to the base and some flaws running through the upper side of the base and through the horns of one of the dragons .
"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 pair to this seal with the yang (characters in relief) where as this seal is the yin with the characters carved is in the Fitzwilliam museum, Cambridge and is illustrated by James C.S. Lin in The Immortal Stone, Chinese Jades from the Neolithic period to the 20^th Century, London, 2009, no. 83 A, B and C.