Asian Art

June 0409, 2022
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LOT 38

Lot 38

A Large Chinese Khotan Green Jade 'Dragon' Seal, Qing Dynasty, 19th Century

A Large Chinese Khotan Green Jade 'Dragon' Seal, Qing Dynasty, 19th Century
Lot 38 Details
A Large Chinese Khotan Green Jade 'Dragon' Seal, Qing Dynasty, 19th Century

清 十九世纪 '皇帝信宝'交龙钮碧玉宝玺

Well-carved with two outfacing intertwined recumbent dragons, their thick bodies finely rendered with scales, the middle portion of their bodies pierced with an aperture, the underside inscribed 'Huangdi Xinbao' in Chinese and Manchu seal scripts, the stone of deep emerald tone with faint cloudy white and black speckled inclusions
3.6 x 4.3 x 4.3 in — 9.2 x 10.8 x 10.8 cm

Estimate $20,000-$25,000

Realised: $24,000
Price Includes Buyer's Premium ?

Lot Report

Additional Images
A Large Chinese Khotan Green Jade 'Dragon' Seal, Qing Dynasty, 19th Century
  • A Large Chinese Khotan Green Jade 'Dragon' Seal, Qing Dynasty, 19th Century
  • A Large Chinese Khotan Green Jade 'Dragon' Seal, Qing Dynasty, 19th Century
  • A Large Chinese Khotan Green Jade 'Dragon' Seal, Qing Dynasty, 19th Century
  • A Large Chinese Khotan Green Jade 'Dragon' Seal, Qing Dynasty, 19th Century
Provenance:

Hartman Rare Art, New York
来源: 购于纽约哈特曼艺廊

Note:

Large seals carved with two outfacing dragons such as the present example have existed since the reign of Kangxi (1662-1722). By that time, emperors had been utilizing multiple seals for various purposes. The Qianlong Emperor (1736-1795) reduced and standardized the number of seals to twenty-five, one of which was inscribed 'Huangdi Xinbao', or 'The Seal of the Prestige of the Emperor'. The emperor used this seal when sending instructions to ministers and clansmen, and its primary function was to command troops for war or suppression.

The quality of the present carving is stylistically consistent with imperial seals of the 19th century. However, the dimensions of the base reveal that this seal may have had two lives. The dragon carving and the carving of the seal face are dissimilar in quality, which suggests that the original seal may have been defaced at some point, usually accomplished by ceremonially smashing one corner. After the damage, it is possible that the seal was cut down to remove the broken corner, re-carved, and then reused. The result is a seal with slightly shorter base and a mysterious past.

Compare with examples sold at Heffel Toronto, April 28, 2022, lot 122; and Bonhams Hong Kong, November 27, 2018, lot 141
参考一枚类似碧玉宝玺,多伦多Heffel拍卖2022年4月28日,拍品编号122

Due to significant interest in this lot, further information may be requested; please contact [email protected] in order to participate in bidding for this lot.
参与竞标此件拍品需要您联系[email protected]进行特别注册

Heffel Toronto, April 28, 2022, lot 122
Bonhams Hong Kong, November 27, 2018, lot 141
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CONDITION DETAILS

For condition information please contact the specialist.

LOT 38
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About Condition Ratings

  • 5 Stars: Excellent - No discernable damage, flaws or imperfections
  • 4 Stars: Very Good - Minor flaws or imperfections visible only under close inspection using specialised instruments or black light
  • 3 Stars: Good - Minor flaws visible upon inspection under standard lighting
  • 2 Stars: Fair - Exhibits flaws or damage that may draw the eye under standard lighting
  • 1 Star: Poor - Flaws or damage immediately apparent under standard lighting (examples: missing components, rips, broken glass, damaged surfaces, etc.)

Note: Condition ratings and condition details are the subjective opinions of our specialists and should be used as a guide only. Waddington’s uses due care when preparing condition details, however, our staff are not professional restorers or conservators. Condition details and reports are not warranties and each lot is sold “as is” in accordance with the buyer’s terms and conditions of sale. In all cases the prospective purchaser is responsible for inspecting the property themselves prior to placing a bid.