Large Shoushan seal ‘Dragons’, Qing dynasty

A carved Shoushan stone in honey-brown tones with a tall rectangular base. The upper rim features two highly dynamic dragons, carved in great detail, intertwined vividly amongst sinuous clouds. They have powerful, serpentine bodies covered in fine scales, and a fierce expression accentuated by their sharp claws. The sides of the base bear inscriptions reading: ‘康熙御笔之宝’, “甲辰冬内务户府造” and ‘康熙三十二年收’. The seal base retains traces of cinnabar and displays characters carved in seal script. It sits on a bespoke plinth lined with embroidered silk. Qing Dynasty (1644–1912).  or later.  

Size: 11 x 6 x 6 cm

Weight: 885 g

Provenance: Private collection, Paris, France.