of square form, cleverly carved utilising the white portion of the stone with a pair of confronting chilong, each detailed with a flowing mane and a curled bifurcated tail

The seal is in overall good condition with expected minute nicks to the extremities.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The skill of the carver of this piece is apparent in his ability to incorporate successfully both the black and white areas of the stone to create a highly dynamic motif of sinuous chilong. A similarly carved seal, but the colours reversed, from the collection of Robert H. Ellsworth, is illustrated in Robert Kleiner, Chinese Jades from the Collection of Alan and Simone Hartman, Hong Kong, 1996, pl. 152, and sold at Christie’s Hong Kong, 28th November 2006, lot 1355; and its pair, also from the collection of Robert. H. Ellsworth, was sold at Christie’s New York, 19th September 2007, lot 83.