Large Chinese yellow soapstone scholar’s seal in the form of a mountain, carved on one side in low relief with figures in a landscape scene and incised on the opposite side with a dated calligraphic inscription. The date reads “made in the year of the rooster, six days before winter,” which corresponds to either 1873 or 1933. The size is substantial at 5 3/8” long by 4” high by 2 5/8” deep. The seal is in very good overall condition with only minor damage and wear from use evident. This piec ...click for details
Square form Chinese Qing dynasty shou shan stone (soapstone) seal, intricately and deeply carved on the top with what appear to be two badgers, symbolic of conjugal joy, surrounding a gourd, which represents ceaseless generations of descendants. The stone is beautifully colored with gray at the base, tan in the mid-section, and reddish-brown in the carving at the top. Dates from the late 19th to early 20th century. Measures about 2” x 2” x 2.” From an old Tucson, Arizona estate.
7 1/4” tall Chinese Qing dynasty soapstone (shou shan stone) scholar’s seal nicely carved with a Buddhist lion dog and her two cubs above a rectangular plinth. Two rows of incised calligraphy decorate the front of the plinth. Seals of this type are typically used for paintings. According to Terese Tse Bartholomew in "Hidden Meanings in Chinese Art," large and small lions together typically mean “may you and your descendants achieve high rank.” 19th century. Very good overall condi ...click for details
7” tall pair of Chinese Qing dynasty soapstone (shou shan stone) scholar’s seals carved with Buddhist lion dogs nursing their cubs above a rectangular plinth. The plinth of each is very finely carved in low relief with a stylized floral motif. The stone is cream colored with a beautiful pattern of red inclusions. Seals of this type are typically used for paintings. According to Terese Tse Bartholomew in "Hidden Meanings in Chinese Art," large and small lions together typically mean ...click for details
Six Chinese Qing dynasty miniature bronze scholar's seals with Buddhist lion dog finials together with one rectangular form seal with a circular handle (see enlargements 10 and 11). The lion dog seals each measure about 1" high. The rectangular seal is 1 1/8" long. Very good overall condition with nice patina. 19th century or earlier. From an old Tucson, Arizona estate.
Chinese Song to Yuan qingbai (yingqing) shallow foliate form scholar’s porcelain brush washer with ribbed cavetto in a creamy pale green glaze with tiny speckled imperfections. It has the characteristic slightly recessed base. Circa 13th/14th century. 4 ¼” diameter. Very good overall condition. Traces of the metal band that once protected the porcelain remain on the rim. The glare on the center of the front and back is from the camera flash. From the private collection of a former America ...click for details
Rectangular form wood scholar’s storage box used for documents or writing accessories. The front features a central circular brass base plate while the back has two external rectangular flat plate hinges. Late 19th to early 20th century. 12"L x 6 3/8"D x 5 1/2"H. Very good overall condition. There are a few missing brass pins on the hardware but it is quite secure. The bottom appears to have a narrow replacement piece of wood (see enlargements 7 and 8). There are a few mino ...click for details
