MID-LATE 19TH CENTURY CHINESE ANTIQUE HAND CARVED SOAPSTONE INK SEAL, with TWO FIGHTING, WRITHING DRAGON FIGURES at TOP, with INCISED SGRAFFITO HAND DRAWING FEATURING CHINESE FIGURES, MOUNTAINS & SEASCAPE with SAILBOAT, CALLIGRAPHY & LOTUS FLOWER BORDER TRIM

(Circa 1850-1875)

Mid to late 19th century Chinese antique soapstone carvings & ink seal/stamp carved stone blocks 

DIMENSIONS: 

6" Height x 2" Width

Weight: 1 lb. 11 oz.

DESCRIPTION:

In remarkably well-preserved condition and with only a few tiny (nearly unnoticeable) nicks on the very bottom edge of the inked base plate. The soapstone is beige or a milky cream in color and has embedded burnt umber and burnt sienna episodes occurring in the lower recesses of the wonderfully carved soapstone figures of the two fighting, writhing dragons, seemingly locked together in mortal combat, ferociously gnashing and biting each other's heads and bodies with their formidable and menacing large, sharp teeth. A fireball, or at least an abstract representation of a fireball, seems to be suspended in mid-air, no doubt a reference to the dragon's ability to 'breath fire' out of their mouths, yet another weapon employed in the attempt to mercilessly vanquish the other. The tubular form features incised, sgraffito hand drawing of a Chinese robed male figure (possibly a monk) mountains, the sea and a sailing vessel. There's no detail loss anywhere on the hand carved figuration. Extraordinarily beautiful and a very accomplished mid-late 19th century Chinese antique hand carved and sgraffito decorated soapstone seal. Absolutely gorgeous.

 

CONDITION:

Very Good to Excellent overall antique condition.