Double jade seal with dragons, Western Han dynasty

A superb white jade seal carved in one piece. It consists of two quadrangular bodies, the base of which contains several engraved characters framed by a fine plain frame. The two seals are joined by the carved figure at the top and by a small, short extension on the inner side of both seals, which is used as a reinforcement. The three visible sides of the stamps are profusely decorated with bands of ruyis in bas-relief, which add great texture to the piece. At the top of the seal is a magnificent free-standing figure of two dragon heads, which are joined at the centre by the torso. Each dragon is depicted in a menacing pose, with muscular legs bowed and resting on five sharp claws. The expression is intense, with eyes wide open and jaws open, revealing sharp fangs and a pointed tongue. The torso is extended and above it are two large, folded wings. At this height and coinciding with the centre of the figure, the two dragons join to form an arc with their bodies. It shows a patina caused by the passage of time. Western Han Dynasty (206 BC - 8 AD)

Size: 8 x 4 x 8 cm; Weight: 400 gr

Provenance: Collection of Tommy Lam, Hong Kong, from 1980.-Previous owner of lot: 48, (Imperial white jade "ziqiang buxi" seal, Qing dynasty, Qianlong period (1736 - 1795)) Auctioned: Important Hong Kong Collection, Tommy Lam - Asian Art. 25 October 2023. Darley Auctions.