of square section, the warm yellowish-orange soapstone skilfully carved with a mythical beast resting on its haunches with the head turned towards its left, depicted with a gaping mouth and bulging eyes beneath its horn and bushy eyebrows, the muscular body detailed with a central crenulated spine, one side of the seal incised with an apocryphal yuxuan mark, the seal face carved with a four-character inscription

The seal is in good condition. There is a tiny polished nick along one edge of the seal. There's possibly been a chip to the beast's left fangs.
"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."

This charming seal is notable for the fine level of detail captured in the small mythical beast. The vigour of the creature is evident in the muscular body and notched spine together with the animated face which scowls in ferocity. A related seal, in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, is published in Masterpieces of Chinese Writing Materials in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, 1971, pl. 50 right, where it is noted that the stone came from the Shoushan area in Fuzhou province; another, from the collection of Dr Ip Yee was sold in these rooms, 19th November 1984, lot 84; and a third, but with the creature looking to his right, was sold in these rooms, 19th May 1982, lot 400.