Shoushan seal ‘Elephant’, Qing dynasty

Red Shoushan stone carved into a square block, topped by a round sculpture of a reclining elephant, modelled with great naturalism in a serene pose. The animal, depicted with its trunk curved towards its body, incorporates a small container next to it. The base contains a calligraphic inscription engraved in classical seal style with traces of red cinnabar pigment. It is accompanied by a silk-lined pedestal and box. Qing dynasty (1644–1912).

Size: 4.8 x 3.2 x 3.1 cm

Weight: 96.8 g

Origin: French private collection