From the inscription, this seal identifies the posthumous title given to Daoguang's consort, Niuhu Lushi, who came from the clan of the Subordinate Yellow Banner. Niuhu Lushi married Prince Minning in 1796 but died in 1808 before Prince Minning became the Emperor Daoguang; their son went on to become Emperor Xianfeng. Niuhu's elevated status to Empress Xiao Mucheng was granted posthumously when Prince Minning became Emperor in 1821.

Compare with three closely related spinach-green jade examples: the first illustrated by R. Kleiner, Chinese Jades from the Collection of Alan and Simone Hartman, Hong Kong, 1996, no. 150; the seal sold in these Rooms, 26 April 1999, lot 519; and another sold in our London Rooms, 6 June 2000, lot 106. Also compare with a white jade seal sold in these Rooms, 30 April 2000, lot 603.