A SOAPSTONE 'MYTHICAL BEAST' SEAL BY YANG YUXUAN 17TH CENTURY |

exquisitely carved and detailed with the beast seated and resting on the hind legs and the head curled around to face behind, the features all delicately carved with the brows, mane and tail finely delineated, with contoured naturalistic musculature carved to the body and haunches, carved from a creamy beige toned stone, signed 'Yuxuan' to one side, the seal face polished

Imperial Oriental Art, New York.

The seal reduced and the seal face polished away. With minute nicks along the edges of the seal and two minute bruises to the beast, one to the ear. The stone with faint natural fissures and minor surface wear overall.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Yang Ji (zi Yuxuan) was an outstanding carver active during the mid-17th century. Yang came from Zhangpu in Fujian province, and lived most of his life in Fuzhou. In the District Gazetteer of the area compiled in the Kangxi period, it is noted that "All his figures, birds and animals and his vessels are exquisite in the extreme. Collectors compete to engage him". For a discussion of Yang's work, see Hugh Moss, Arts from the Scholar's Studio, Fung Ping Shan Museum, Hong Kong, 1986, cat. no. 45. Compare a related soapstone seal, signed Yuxuan, sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 4th April 2017, lot 188. See also a soapstone carved mythical beast signed Yuxuan in a similar script, sold Christie's Hong Kong, 1st June 2016, lot 3206.