This shoushan stone seal is surmounted by a beautifully carved foo dog, the traditional Chinese guardian figure and sacred protector. The foo dog was also thought to be the protector of truth in Buddhism - an apt symbol atop an official seal such as this. Chinese seals, also known as chops, have been used since the Shing dynasty (1600 - 1046 B.C.E) as an official form of the signature on everything from official documents to works of art. Considered beautiful objets d’art in addition to being functional tools, seals are often expertly carved from luxury material and surmounted by meticulously rendered figures, as is seen in the present piece. Still used today, chop seals remain a significant part of Chinese culture, and remarkably rendered specimens such as this are highly collectible.

Meticulously carved of shoushan stone, the foo dog rests upon a sturdy rectangular base, incised by both Chinese characters and a delicately rendered landscape. A chop seal achieving this degree of artistry would certainly have served as a symbol of both status and wealth, and likely would have been intended for a man of great stature. The bottom of this seal, however, remains uncut, suggesting it never reached its intended owner.

Circa 19th century

4 1/2” high x 1 1/2” wide x 1 1/2” deep