THE PERSONAL RED CARNELIAN SEAL OF WILLIAM COLQUHOUN of truncated bevelled rectangular form, the face finely carved with a central panel containing the name of the owner and the date 1225 (1810-11 AD) on a ground of floral scrolls flanked by four panels with similar inscriptions, outer meandering floral border, mounted as a fob with heavy gold scrolling arms leading to central boss, early 19th century

Details
THE PERSONAL RED CARNELIAN SEAL OF WILLIAM COLQUHOUN of truncated bevelled rectangular form, the face finely carved with a central panel containing the name of the owner and the date 1225 (1810-11 AD) on a ground of floral scrolls flanked by four panels with similar inscriptions, outer meandering floral border, mounted as a fob with heavy gold scrolling arms leading to central boss, early 19th century
1 1/8in. (2.9cm.) across

Lot Essay

Despite the quality of this seal and its indication of the status of William Colquhoun, it has not been possible to trace him. He was not a Servant of the East India Company, nor does he appear on the army lists for Bengal, Madras or Bombay. It seems probable that he was a succesful merchant. The surrounding panels with their short proverbs and religious phrases indicate that he had integrated well into the local mentality.

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