AN INSCRIBED IVORY 'CHILONG' SEAL 17TH CENTURY, WITH LATER INSCRIPTIONS SIGNED XU XINGZHOU (1853-1925), DATED BINGSHEN YEAR (IN ACCORDANCE WITH 1896)

of gourd-shaped section, surmounted by a sinuous chilong with a bifurcated tail, the sides inscribed with yougao xiansheng qingwan ('plaything of gentlemen, Yougao') and bingshen chun Xingzhou ('Spring of the bingshen year, Xingzhou'), the seal face reading jianbao ('to inspect treasure')

Please note that the seal should be dated to 17th Century, with later inscriptions signed Xu Xingzhou(1853-1925), dated Bingshen year (in accordance with 1896). The guarantee line of this lot should read: AN INSCRIBED IVORY 'CHILONG' SEAL, 17TH CENTURY, WITH LATER INSCRIPTIONS SIGNED XU XINGZHOU (1853-1925), DATED BINGSHEN YEAR (IN ACCORDANCE WITH 1896). The seal is in overall good condition. With expected surface wear and age cracks, minor nibbling and chips to the seal impression face. The actual colour is brighter and shinier and less yellow compared to the catalogue photo.
"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 inscription, signed Xingzhou, dates to the spring of the bingshen year (in accordance with 1896). Xu Xingzhou (1853-1925), a native from Wu county, Jiangsu province, was a student of Wu Changshuo (1844-1927).