Yellow jade seal "Mythical Beast", Shang dinasty

Quadrangular seal made of yellow jade with intense brown alterations. The handle is sculpted in the round as a mythical bird, possibly an owl or eagle, in a compact, seated position, with folded wings defined by fine incised lines simulating plumage. The four sides of the base are decorated in low relief with stylised taotie (饕餮) masks. The seal matrix features four archaic characters in relief, with notable traces of red sealing wax. Shang dynasty (17th-2nd century BC).

Size: 10.5 x 5.8 x 5.9 cm 

Weight: 600 g