A SOAPSTONE 'BUDDHIST LION AND CUBS' SEAL QING DYNASTY, KANGXI PERIOD

of square section with short straight sides, the seal top naturalistically carved with a Buddhist lion with its head turned backward, a Buddhist cub depicted resting on its bushy tail with one front paw placed on the Buddhist lion's haunches and another extending outward to the Buddhist lion's mouth, another Buddhist cub rendered crouching atop the back of the Buddhist lion with one outstretched paw resting on the other Buddhist cub, the mythical beasts portrayed with furled ears and long locks of wavy mane extending down their backs, all with prominently pronounced crenulated spinal columns, the stone of a variegated cinnabar-red and brownish-beige colour

Spink & Son Ltd., London.

In overall good condition, except tiny chips to the extramities as can be expected.
"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."

Fashioned from an attractive rich stone, this seal is notable for the finely carved details, as seen in the animal’s thick mane, and the animated poses of the lions. A related soapstone seal of a lion and its cub was included in the exhibition In Scholar’s Taste. Documentary Chinese Works of Art, Sydney L. Moss, London, 1983, cat. no. 124; two were sold in these rooms, one 9th October 2007, lot 1513, and the other, 19th May 1982, lot 401. See also a pair of white soapstone lion seals, sold in these rooms, 9th October 2007, lot 1515; and two sold at Christie’s Hong Kong, the first, 30th April 1994, lot 543, and the second, 24th October 1993, lot 505.