AN OVAL SOAPSTONE 'LINKED HUAN' SEAL LATE QING DYNASTY – REPUBLICAN PERIOD

of oval section, engraved on both long straight sides in kaishu with the Chunye yan tao li yuan yu [Preface to the Party at Apple Plum Blossom Garden on a Spring Evening] by Li Bo, dated to the jisi year and followed by a signature by Quehua shanren, the seal face carved in the form of a pair of interlinked oval huan with an excerpt from Ouyang Xiu's Qiu sheng fu [The Sounds of Autumn]

The seal is in good overall condition with several minor chips to the edges, particularly around the seal face, and bruising on the underside, and with typical surface scratches throughout.
"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 seal face can be translated as: 
Its colour is as pale as drifting smoke and gathering clouds;
Its appearance is clear and bright like the brilliance of the sun high in the sky.