Item Report
Chinese Carved Shoushan Stone Dragon Seal
中国寿山石雕龙印章
By: Unknown
Style: Qing Dynasty/Republic Period Scholar's Object
Origin: China
Materials: Shoushan stone
Age: circa 1880-1930
Condition: Very Good (minor wear, surface patina consistent with age)
Value: $120–$300 USD (auction, if authentic and undamaged)
Maker's Marks / Writing: None visible on the body; seal face not shown.
Date: 2025-06-03 18:31:27.035901
Description:
This is a cylindrical carved seal, likely made from Shoushan stone. The detailed and intricate carving features a coiling dragon, a motif symbolizing power and auspiciousness. The item is likely meant to serve as a personal or studio seal, evidenced by the flat uncarved end. The dragon motif and the style of carving suggest it is from China, possibly late Qing Dynasty to Republic Period (late 19th to early 20th century). The lower section features typical incised decorations common in Chinese scholar’s objects. 这是一枚圆柱形雕刻印章，很可能是用寿山石制成。雕刻精美，展现了一条盘绕的龙，是象征权力与吉祥的图案。此物应作为个人或书房印章使用，其底端平坦未雕刻，适于刻字。龙的纹饰和雕刻风格显示其来自中国，可能为清末至民国时期（19世纪末至20世纪初）。下部有典型的刻画装饰，常见于中国文房器物中。
Curator Questions
Curated by Jade
Assessment:
This is a well-carved Chinese seal, likely intended for scholar's desk use or as a decorative chop. The stone appears to be Shoushan, prized in China for seal carving. The craftsmanship and patina suggest some age, but precise dating is challenging without full provenance. The piece is attractive and collectible, especially for enthusiasts of Chinese scholar’s objects. 这是一枚雕工精美的中国印章，极有可能用于文房案头或作为装饰性印章。所用石料似为寿山石，在中国篆刻中倍受珍视。工艺与包浆显示具有一定年代感，但在没有完整来源证明的情况下，具体断代仍有难度。此件整体观赏性强，具有收藏价值，特别适合中国文房器物爱好者。
Individual Images:
- The detailed image allows for close inspection of the carved dragon
- displaying skilled workmanship and layering typical of hand-carved Shoushan stone pieces. No obvious cracks or chips are noted
- although some surface grime is present
- suggesting age and handling. The bottom
- intended for the seal face
- appears intact and ready for inscription but is not inscribed in the image provided.
Provenance:
No provenance documents provided.
Condition:
Very Good (minor wear, surface patina consistent with age)
Identification Score: 95%
The dragon motif, material, and form are all highly characteristic of late Qing to Republic Chinese scholar seals. The carving style and stone type provide a strong match to known examples. 龙纹、材质和造型都高度符合清末至民国时期中国文房印章的典型特征。雕刻风格与石料类型与已知实物高度吻合。
Authenticity Score: 85%
The quality of carving and aging signs indicate a likely period piece, though there are many good-quality reproductions on the market. No obvious modern tool marks or artificial aging observed, but without provenance or a view of the seal face, some caution is warranted. 雕刻质量与老化痕迹显示很可能为老件，但市场上也存在许多高仿品。未见明显现代工具痕迹或人工做旧，但因缺乏来源或印面细节，需谨慎判定。
Image Memory Note
Keywords
Chinese seal, Shoushan stone, dragon carving, scholar's object, Qing Dynasty, Republic Period, chop 中国印章, 寿山石, 龙雕, 文房器物, 清代, 民国, 印章
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