A FINE PAIR OF 'CHICKEN BLOOD' SOAPSTONE SEALS QING DYNASTY, 19TH CENTURY

each of tall rectangular form with square cross section carved with slightly rounded corners, the sides left plain to display the striation and brilliant vermilion red color of the stone, the seal face uncarved

The overall condition of the pair is extremely good.
"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."

One of the most valued materials in China, 'chicken-blood' soapstone is considered a protection from evil and is believed to be even more powerful than jade. As red is traditionally considered symbolic of good luck, soapstone of this colour was gifted on occasions of marriage, birthdays, promotions and success.

The name derives from its bright red colour which resembles chicken blood, which is composed of eight basic colours which blend or combine in different layers: red, black, white, yellow, green, blue, grey and purple. The stone is a fine-grained mixture of clay and quartz with varying amounts of red cinnabar. Because both compounds are very soft and the colour of cinnabar darkens when exposed to sunlight, this stone cannot be worn in jewellery and is thus reserved for seals and ornamental objects. Moreover, as the hardness of its ingredients vary from 2 to 7 in hardness and cinnabar has the potential to be extremely toxic if not handled correctly, it is a very difficult material to work with. Soapstone of this tone is only found in two locations in China, Changhua and Balinyouqi.

A similar pair of chickens-blood soapstone seals was sold in these rooms, 26^th October 1993, lot 331; another pair was sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 24^th October 1993, lot 545; and a single seal was also sold in these rooms, 3^rd May 1994, lot 348.