A JADE 'FENG SAN WU SI ZHI BAO' SEAL 19TH / EARLY 20TH CENTURY

of square form, surmounted by a superbly articulated pair of addorsed dragons, each powerfully depicted with eyes bulging and nostrils flaring above curling whiskers and jaws bearing sharp fangs, the scales and flowing mane meticulously incised, the two scaly bodies tightly intertwined and crouching on the haunches, pierced through the centre with an aperture, the seal face carved with the characters feng san wu si zhi bao, the stone of a varying grayish-green color with natural veining and dark flecking, with stand (2)

The Tredegar Collection.
Spink & Son, Ltd., London, 1966.

The seal is in overall good condition with some veining and inclusions to the stone. Minor nicks to the extremities, as can be expected. The actual color of the stone is paler compared to the catalogue illustration. The silk tassels with some loose threads. The hardwood stand with the top detached, and the top frame with one section missing and replacements to two other sections.
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 characters on the seal face reference the Fengsanwusi Dian (Honoring the Three Selflessnesses Court) which is located within the central and oldest complex at the Yuanmingyuan. The hall sits on an islet, first in a row of three courts, laid on a central north-south axis with the Grand Palace Gate.  It is one of forty single story buildings designated by the Yongzheng emperor as the ‘Nine Continents Clear and Calm’.  The islet also enclosed the emperor’s residential quarter s and those of the ladies of the court.  The Qianlong emperor enjoyed the use of the scenic retreat only a few months of the year. The Jiaqing and Daoguang emperors spent considerably more time there, and by the time the Xianfeng emperor claimed the throne the palace served as the imperial family’s primary residence until its destruction in 1860. The Fengsanwusi Dian, which still stands today, was used by the Qing emperors to host banquets for members of the imperial family on significant occasions such as the first day of the New Year.