Qing Dynasty Jiaqing Period Tianhuang Stone “Qilin Carrying Book” Square Seal, dated Gengshen Year (1800)

拍品描述

Dimensions & Weight: Height 9 cm (approx. 3.5 in, approx. 0.30 ft); Width 5.5 cm (approx. 2.2 in, approx. 0.18 ft); Weight 390 gCondition & Provenance: Good overall condition with a warm and highly refined Tianhuang stone surface, natural aged patina, and well-preserved carved details. Provenance: Private Collection, New York, USADescription: This seal is carved from fine-quality Tianhuang stone, displaying a rich honey-golden tone with a smooth, dense texture and a subtle inner luster. The rectangular seal body is topped with a high-relief carving of a Qilin carrying a book, a classic auspicious motif in Chinese art. The mythical beast is powerfully rendered with finely detailed scales, flowing mane, and dynamic posture, holding a ceremonial ribbon in its mouth while standing among clouds and a scholarly scroll, symbolizing wisdom, talent, and the arrival of distinguished individuals. The sides of the seal feature elegant shallow landscape and pavilion carvings, while one side bears the calligraphic inscription “Made by Wen Ding in the Gengshen Year of Jiaqing.” The seal face is finely carved in Zhuwen seal script, with graceful strokes, balanced composition, and a strong classical style. Combining fine stone carving, literati seal art, and traditional auspicious symbolism, this Qing dynasty Tianhuang seal represents an important example of scholarly carving and carries significant historical and collectible value.

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