Seals - Jade - China - Late 20th century

Double Chinese seal in carved stone (jade not tested), accompanied by a square box or base with traditional Chinese inscriptions and characters on the sides and the bottom of the seal. The characters engraved on the base of the seal are in the archaic seal script style (Zhuanshu), a form of ancient Chinese writing used since the Zhou and Qin dynasties specifically for official seals. The characters are incised in Baiwen mode (characters in negative/white when impressed), which makes the background stand out. The two upper characters visible read as "宣和" (Xuanhe). "Xuanhe" is the famous reign-name (1119–1125 AD) of the refined Emperor Huizong of the Song dynasty, renowned patron of the arts, calligraphy, and collector of ancient seals. The sides of the outer box feature geometric perforated motifs and stylized patterns that recall the ancient motifs of Chinese ritual bronzes (such as chilyong dragons or geometrized taotie masks). The stone shows a strong brown/reddish patina with areas that appear calcified or eroded by time. In the Chinese antique market, this finish is often called "scavenged patina". Often this type of heavy wear and coloration on the square box and seal combined is typical of late 20th-century historical reproduction productions, created to honor the style of imperial jade seals in archaic form. Dimensions H 6 x 6.3 x 6.3 and weight g 333 Excellent condition Insured shipping with professional packing.

Estimate:£0.84

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