A SUPERB OVAL-SHAPED TIANHUANG 'MYTHICAL BEAST' SEAL QING DYNASTY, YONGZHENG PERIOD

deftly carved in the form of a mythical beast sitting on its haunches on an oval-sectioned pedestal, the mythical beast depicted with its head powerfully held up above its prominently pronounced taut muscles, its body decorated with stylised wings, all below its long curved striated horns, the stone of a warm amber-honey colour 

Collection of Fei Yi Min (1908-88).

In overall good condition. Minute nicks to the extremities as can be expected. The base has possibly been slightly polished. The catalogue illustration with a reddish tone.
"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."

This honey-coloured tianhuang seal is exquisitely carved with a ferocious winged beast accentuated with recessed irises dotted in black and a long feathery tail draping over the edge of the stepped base. Despite the polished seal face, the exceptional quality of the carving suggests it was a product of the Palace Workshop from the early Qing dynasty. Two comparable seals of the Yongzheng Emperor, zhao qian xi ti and jing tian zun zu, are preserved in the collection of the Palace Museum, Beijing. A further tianhuang seal qi li zai cunxin, similarly carved with a recumbent mythical lion, but of the Qianlong Emperor, was sold in these rooms, 25th April 2004, lot 26.