AN IVORY 'CHILONG' SEAL QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

of rectangular form, carved with two sinuous chilong with bifurcated tails coiling around an arch on the top, the ivory patinated to a warm amber colour, the seal face carved later in relief with a five-character inscription Yushi Jiang Chunlin (Imperial Censor Jiang Chunlin (1855-1918))

The seal is in overall good condition with the expected minor age cracks along the edges, and staining from the red seal paste. The colour of the seal is more red compared to the illustration in the catalogue.
"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."

Compare a slightly larger ivory chilong seal set upon a double gourd-shaped plinth with a two-character inscription yiyang ('the same as'), attributed to the Ming dynasty, included in the Oriental Ceramic Society of Hong Kong exhibition Arts from the Scholar’s Studio, Fung Ping Shan Museum, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 1986, cat. no. 198.