Lot 3658
  • 3658

AN INSCRIBED TIANHUANG SEAL 17TH CENTURY

Estimate
1,200,000 - 1,800,000 HKD
bidding is closed

Description

  • tianhuang
of square section, the facetted seal inscribed to two sides, the seal face with a four-character inscription reading Fu shi baocang ('Treasured Collection of Fu'), the translucent stone of a warm amber-honey colour

Condition

There are tiny bruises and flakes to the edges and an approx 0.4 by 1.6 cm old chip to the upper edge, possibly the original texture of the stone.
"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."

Catalogue Note

The present seal was made from tianhuang, which is a rare type of soapstone originating from Fujian. Of square section, with the knop resembling a mountain peak, the seal was deliberately left undecorated to accentuate its warm yellow tones shimmering with a lustrous sheen.

The side of the seal was incised by Xu Jun, zi Shudiao, hao Xuecun, a native of Fujian province. He had an official title and was active during the Kangxi and Yongzheng reigns.

The other side and the seal face bear an inscription dedicated by Zhao Zhiqian to Fu Jiezi. Zhao Zhiqian (1829-44), previously known zi Yifu, hao Lengjun, was later renamed zi Weishu, a native of Shaoxing, Zhejiang province and a renowned calligrapher and seal carver during the Qing dynasty. Fu Jiezi, originally known as Yiyu, zi Maochen, hao Jiezi, a native of Shanyin, and later resided in Beijing, was a fond collector of stone carving and seals. See another seal carved Daxing Fu zhi (Fu from Daxing, today’s Beijing) on the seal face, also dedicated by Zhao zhiqian to Fu Jiezi.