A PALE CELADON JADE SEAL WITH INSCRIPTION 'HUANG TANG SHOU MING ZHI BAO' PROBABLY MING DYNASTY

of large square form, surmounted by two addorsed crouching dragons, with wide open eyes, snub noses and upright horns, the arching intertwined scaleless bodies pierced through the center with an aperture for a cord

Collection of Robert von Hirsch, prior to 1977, thence by descent.

It is overall in good condition except for some minor chips and surface abrasions consistent with age and wear.
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.

The inscription reads: HUANG TANG SHOU MING ZHI BAO, and is translated as "Treasure of the Great Tang who was granted with the Mandate of Heaven".

In Chinese historical literature it is recorded that many rulers of different dynasties, starting from the first emperor of Qin to the last of the Qing dynasty, were granted the 'seal of the mandate of heaven' (shoumingxi), but few examples have survived. This jade seal has been ascribed to the Tang dynasty, is obviously a fictitious attribution, probably due to some historical and political motivation. The carving of the dragon and the style of inscription, suggests a Ming dynasty date.