Leilão Bidspirit | Large Shoushang seal, ‘Mythical Beasts’,

Large Shoushang seal, ‘Mythical Beasts’, Qing Dynasty - A large square seal carved from Shoushan stone of the Tianhuang variety, which is earthy and reddish in colour with a waxy texture. The entire body and the upper rim are lavishly carved in high relief with a continuous landscape featuring auspicious mythical beasts (Ruishou), dragon-turtles and wild beasts amidst pine trees, crags and clouds. The broad square base bears a meticulous archaic inscription in seal script with traces of red cinnabar paste, and includes an openwork plinth and the original case made of fine wood carved with archaic floral motifs. Qing Dynasty (1644–1912) or later. Size: 15.5 x 14.4 x 14.3 cm; Case size: 29 x 20 x 20 cm Seal weight: 7090 g Provenance: ‘Dragon Seals’ private collection, Paris, France.