Shoushan seal, “Dragons with a flaming pearl”, Qing Dynasty

A carved Shoushan stone in shades of amber with reddish veins, with a square base. The top features a high relief depicting five imperial dragons chasing a flaming pearl. They have sinuous, intertwining bodies, highlighting the mastery of the carving of the scales, manes and open jaws. The front of the base bears a lengthy inscription. The impression base retains traces of cinnabar and features characters carved in seal script. Qing Dynasty (1644–1912).  or later.

Size: 8 x 8.2 x 8.1 cm

Weight: 884 g

Provenance: French private collection.