清十八世紀 象牙雕雙獸面鈕方印 印文：《錢大昕印》

the square base surmounted by a loop knop, deftly carved with two confronting taotie masks and bordered with leiwen, the seal face crisply carved in relief with the four characters Qian Daxin yin ('seal of Qian Daxin'), the ivory with a deep yellow patina

There are age cracks and small chips to the edge of the seal impression surface and along the corners as well as to the loop knop edges. The characters on the seal face are well preserved.
"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."

Qian Daxin (1728-1804) was a Confucian scholar serving at the Qianlong court. He edited history books for the emperor as well as other subjects including cosmology, music and mapping.