Jade "Bear" seal, Shang dynasty

A white jade seal carved with reddish veins and patches of amber, brown and reddish tones. It has a tall rectangular base decorated on all four sides with archaic motifs and taotie beasts in relief. On the upper part, there is the figure of a crouching bear, depicted in a primitive form, with its knees bent at chest level and long arms encircling its knees. The head is rounded, as are the small ears, and it faces forward with a large open mouth. The body of the animal is decorated with fine geometric reliefs arranged in a mirror-like pattern. 

Size: 8.6 x 4.5 x 3.7 cm

Weight: 265 g