Five Shoushan ‘Chiwen’ seals, Qing dynasty

Carved Shoushan stone in a honey hue. Each piece has an organic, irregular shape, on which a round-relief carving has been executed. The decoration on the finials depicts the Chiwen dragon, winding its way through stylised clouds and waves, with incised details defining scales, manes and facial features. The base of each seal contains characters engraved in the classical sigillary style. The work is presented in an original box lined with brocade silk. Qing dynasty (1644–1911).

Sizes: 3 x 1.8 x 4 cm; 2.6 x 1.8 x 5 cm; 2.5 x 2.4 x 4.7 cm; 2.5 x 2.3 x 2.7 cm; 2.2 x 2.3 x 4 cm

Weight: 36.7 g; 22.7 g; 30.3 g; 27.6 g; 24.3 g

Origin: French private collection