QING DYNASTY (1644-1911)

Details

A SET OF THREE SOAPSTONE SEALS
QING DYNASTY (1644-1911)
Two of square form, the third of rectangular form, all well carved on top with archaistic dragons, the bottom of each carved in seal characters with a different saying, all of beige color, the dragon decoration on top carved from the mottled pale russet and beige area of the stone; together with a mottled beige and reddish soapstone oval seal, Qing dynasty, well carved on top with a mythical beast standing with left forepaw resting on lingzhi while its two cubs clamber around its body, the base carved in intaglio with a poem by Tao Yuanming
3 7/8, 4 1/16 and 4¼ in. (10, 10.3 and 10.8 cm.) high, two cloth-covered paper sleeves (4)

Provenance

Three soapstone seals: Acquired in 1992.
Soapstone oval seal: Acquired in 1985.

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Lot Essay

The bottoms of the three seals may be read: shi chang shou (stone has longevity); x wu guo ze shi shan, (x not in excess is good); and zizi sunsun shou (longevity for children and grandchildren). The poem by Tao Yuanming on the bottom of the oval seal may be translated, 'enjoy being what you are, without any doubts'.

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