- 403
A 'BAIFURONG' SOAPSTONE SEAL BY QU ZHONGRONG DATED DAOGUANG YIYOU YEAR, CORRESPONDING TO 1825
Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 USD
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Description
- stone
of oval section , the finial in the form of a crouching mythical beast with its head sharply turned towards its back, the side of the seal inscribed with two Tang dynasty poems, Yumeiren (Beautiful Lady Yu) by Li Yu and Langtaosha (Waves Washing Over Sand) by Liu Yuxi, dated and signed Mu Jushi Zhongrong, the seal face carved in relief with an excerpt from the Jinsilu by Zhu Xi in seal script
Condition
In overall good condition except for a minute bruise to the outer edge of the seal face, and minor nicks along the edges. The actual color of the stone is warmer than the catalogue photo.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
Mu Jushi is the sobriquet of Qu Zhongrong (1769-1842). Qu passed the imperial examinations in 1814 and was appointed judicial secretary of the provincial administration commission in Hunan. Apart from being an official, he was also known as a painter, calligrapher and seal carver.
Baifurong stone is characterized by its close resemblance to jade, and like tianhuang, was mined in the Shoushan area in the Fujian province. By the late Qing dynasty, baifurong had become rare and highly valued, and was listed, together with tianhuang and Changhua stone as the 'Three Treasures' of seal stones.
Compare a pair of 18th century baifurong seals sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 9th October 2007, lot 1515.