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Pair of Large 19th Century Soapstone Seals browse these categories for related items... All Items: Antiques:Regional Art:Asian:Chinese:Scholar Art: Pre 1900: item # 78733 Please refer to our stock # 5-224 when inquiring.
B & C Antiques P. O. Box 291 Derby, CT 06418 203-929-7312 Guest Book $485 for Pair |
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| Two large hand-carved Chinese soapstone seals in square form with foo lion and pup finials, bases cut with calligraphy in both “red writing” and “white writing” style. Late 19th century. One seal is carved from a neutral tan to light jade colored soapstone with marbleized brown inclusions. The carved foo lion is turning to face one pup, and there is a ball at its feet. This seal is deeply engraved with six archaic characters, which produces “white writing” when the seal is stamped in red vermilion seal paste. The other seal is carved from a darker shade of tan soapstone with numerous reddish brown inclusions. The foo lion is turned to face one pup, while the second pup climbs upon her back. There is a small ball beneath one pup’s hind legs. This seal has four elongated archaic characters carved in relief, which will produce “red writing” when the seal is stamped. (We have included enlargement photos of both seal’s impressions.) The seal was an integral component of the Chinese scholar’s desk, and seals and seal engraving have occupied an honored place in the Chinese literary and artistic tradition for over one thousand years. A well carved seal distinguished the engraver and the user as learned and aesthetically sensitive individuals. Chinese seal engraving has been widely regarded because of its affinity to the art of calligraphy and out of respect for the written word. Condition is excellent. Overall dimensions: 2 ½” high, 2 1/8” square. | |||||||||||||||
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