A SET OF FOUR 'CHICKEN BLOOD' STONE SCHOLAR'S HANDLING PIECES QING DYNASTY

each of irregular shape, with bright cinnabar-red inclusions, carved with one of the four symbols representing the 'Four Accomplishments of the Scholar', three with silk-covered cardboard stands, box (8)

Alice Boney.

Treasures of the Chinese Scholar, The University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, Philadelphia, 1998 - 1999.
Treasures of the Chinese Scholar, Joslyn Art Museum, Omaha, 2001.  

Fang Jing Pei, Treasures of the Chinese Scholar, New York, 1997, pl. 147.

Apart from minor nicks along the edges, the pieces are in good overall condition. One piece is missing its stand
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 Four Accomplishments of the Scholar are music, represented by the qin; games of skill, represented by the weiqi board; poetry, represented by the book; and painting and calligraphy, represented by the scroll.

Since the Ming dynasty chicken blood stone has been highly prized for seal making because of its dense, fine grain and bright splashes of color. An example of a chicken blood stone seal was sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 8th October 2014, lot 3770.