A HARDSTONE 'TURTLE' SEAL AND A TURQUOISE SEAL QING DYNASTY AND REPUBLICAN PERIOD

the warm brown hardstone of square section, surmounted by a 'turtle' finial, the seal face carved with an inscription reading qing sheng wen sheng qing; the turquoise square-sectioned seal with an irregular top, the seal face carved with a four-character inscription

There is some surface wear and pitting to one side of the 'turtle' seal, skilfully incorporated into the carving. There are a few occasional nicks along the edges of the seal and seal face. The fabric pouch is somewhat distressed (as visible in the catalogue photo). There is some surface wear and light scratches, together with small bruises, along the edges of the turquoise seal, as well as some minor nicks to the edges of the seal face.
"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."

The Japanese wood box of the ‘turtle’ seal was inscribed by seal carver Kanzan Yamada (1856-1918) in the Taisho 5th year (1916) about the gifting of the seal in Meiji 45th year (1912).