Chinese Hardstone Seal Scholar Pillar Ball Horse Finial Script Characters 20th C

Chinese Hardstone Seal Scholar Pillar Ball Horse Finial Script Characters 20th C

ITEM DETAILS

Inventory Code: INV5194

Object: Carved Seal

Material: Green hardstone

Origin: China

Period: 20th century

Date: 20th century

Decoration: Carved animal finial, pierced rotating ball, architectural pillar form, incised landscape and script characters

Mark: Carved seal characters to base

MEASUREMENTS

Height: 4.72 in / 12.0 cm

Width: 1.57 in / 4.0 cm

Depth: 1.57 in / 4.0 cm

CONDITION

GOOD (4/5) – Surface wear, scratches, minor abrasions and small imperfections are visible, consistent with age and handling. Please review the photos carefully for more details.

DESCRIPTION

A Chinese carved green hardstone seal of tall rectangular pillar form with an elaborate sculptural finial. The upper section features a reclining stylized animal above an openwork chamber containing a pierced rotating ball. The sides are decorated with incised Chinese script and a landscape or architectural scene highlighted in white. The underside carries a large carved seal inscription with traces of red pigment from use. The mottled yellow-green stone and detailed carving give the piece a distinctive traditional decorative character.

COLLECTOR’S NOTE

Chinese seals have a long tradition as personal, scholarly and artistic objects, with carved inscriptions used to create impressions in red seal paste. During the 20th century, decorative hardstone examples continued to combine traditional seal forms with elaborate finials, pierced carving, inscriptions and landscape imagery.

NOTES

Please review all photos carefully as they form part of the description. Material identification is based on visual appearance and has not been independently laboratory tested.