Shoushan seal ‘Mountain with mythical beasts’, Qing dynasty

A carved Shoushan stone in shades of honey, cream and caramel, with an asymmetrical outline and an irregular base. It features an elaborate relief depicting mythical beasts, including an imperial dragon at the apex guarding a perforated coin, flanked by a phoenix and other creatures amidst a dense sea of clouds. The reverse depicts a mountainous landscape with trees. It retains a label bearing the inscription ‘康熙十五年收’ (Collected in the 15th year of Kangxi). The printing base shows traces of cinnabar and carved characters. Qing Dynasty (1644–1912).  or later.   

Size: 12.8 x 4.4 x 7.6 cm

Weight: 490 g

Provenance: Private collection, Paris, France.