- Traditionally used as a personal stamp for documents, calligraphy, or as a decorative cultural talisman.
- Design: Features a mythical dragon creature on top of a solid, rectangular base.
- Cultural Significance: Represents power, majesty, and longevity in traditional Chinese culture.
- Markings: The base typically includes incised script or characters.
- Details Oriental carved seal surmounted by a sitting Beast, in near black Hetian jade (possibly Volcanic Obsidian) and incised with precision neat characters on all sides - 2 sides have the Manchu script while others have Archiac Chinese /Tibetan script , overall shows quality workmanship. PICTURED in natural sunlight and indoor dim studio white light, to reflect colour well.
The seated Dragon Turtle has its legs tucked under it, a mane and a sharp well carved face. Its pose is majestic and it has a scaly pattern on its body. There is perfect hole drilled in the middle of its body to cord the seal. Bottom of seal has some residue so was likely used at some point. I have not found exact duplicates that match its size, exact figurine and detailing. Little dusty but not washed to preserve the ink residue and readability of characters . (The small brown flecks on zoom are dust and not inclusion in the stone:
Approx 10 cms x 10 cms x 10.5 cms
Heavy at 2.5 kgs approx ( hence the shipping !)
Condition - Excellent with no chips or nicks, has reddish residue Bottom has 4 character character mark. Search shows it resembles the Tibetan /Mongol Phags-pa script in its structure, rare to translate and we are unable to translate the seal.The 'Phags-pa script, is named for its creator, the Tibetan sage 'Phags-pa Lama, who was appointed 'National Perceptor' in 1264 by the emperor Khubila Khan. The King ordered him to devise a script in which all the languages of his empire - including Tibetan, Uyghur, Mongolian and Chinese - could be written. The new script met with limited success and only accounts of its creation exist in the biographies written by 'Phags pa's disciples.
More about Hetian jade - it is also known as nephrite, is a type of jade that is mainly found in China, specifically in the Xinjiang region. It is a calcium magnesium silicate mineral that ranges in color from white to grey, green, brown, and black. Hetian jade is known for its toughness, durability, and beauty, and has been used in Chinese art and culture for centuries.
Provenance - Collectors Estate auction in Melbourne. Please note I cannot date it with accuracy as while it does not seem new it has NOT been authenticated by an expert either. PLEASE NOTE I do DO NOT claim expertise and cannot vouch for its age, all sources referenced have been found on search and can be cross verified by buyer.
Will be securely wrapped , insured and sent. Kindly note International Postage costs are steep due to its weight. Will be sent via secure tracked mail.Quite heavy, displays very well and in pristine condition. Free shipping within Australia.