A TIANHUANG SEAL CARVED BY ZHAO ZHICHEN (1781-1852)

of rectangular form, the seal face reading ZHU FEN JIAO DU (Proofread by Zhu Fen), the side is signed CI XIAN FANG HAN (Cixian emulating the Han style). 

There are visible stone inclusions and one chip of about ¼ in. on one of the corners and tiny chips along the edges.
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.

Cixian is the studio name of the famous artist and seal carver Zhao Zhichen (1781-1852). Zhao was a native of Qiantang (today's Hangzhou), the leader of the Zhe School carving tradition.  The seal was made for another known scholar Zhu Fen, from Haining, who was a collector of books and a publisher.   

A different signature is found on the top side of the seal: Long Shi, which is the studio name of another contemporary seal carver Yang Xie (born 1781). It may suggest that the earlier inscription by Yang was erased and the stone was reused for the current inscription.