Imperial white jade ‘Dragon Turtle’ seal, Qing dynasty, ca. 1700

Impeccable white jade carved in a single piece. It has a thick quadrangular base, on which is placed the magnificent image of a beast from Chinese mythology called ‘龙龟’ or ‘dragon turtle’. This auspicious animal is shown in a defensive position, with sturdy legs ending in sharp claws, a body covered by a thick carapace adorned with hexagonal and rhomboid patterns and a subtle border of fretwork, a curled dragon's tail with thick fur, and the head of the same animal, which tilts to the left with a fierce expression, rounded eyes, a wide snout and intimidating teeth.  The body is covered with fine reliefs that faithfully emulate the scales characteristic of traditional Chinese dragons. 

On the underside, it bears the characters ‘弘德殿寶’ (Hongde Hall), executed in bas-relief in seal script.

After studying the characteristics of this piece, the quality of the material, the remarkable workmanship, and the meticulousness of the details, it is considered that it could be a seal made around the 1700s by order of the emperor. There are other examples of imperial stamps in private collections and auctions that left the palace at some point. 

Size: 7,8 x 6,2 x 6,2 cm

Weight: 660 g

Provenance:

- Important collection of Tommy Lam, Hong Kong, from 1980.

Catalogue note: 

The Hongde Hall, belongs to the renowned Qianqing Palace (originally known as Yongsu Hall), built during the Ming dynasty. In 1797, during the Jiaqing reign of the Qing dynasty, it suffered a fire that affected several areas, but was quickly rebuilt the following year, with further modifications in the 1890s and 1897. 

During the Ming dynasty, the hall was used for the convocation of ministers and workers, and later as a working hall for political affairs and study readings from Confucian texts.

A large representation of ‘龙龟’ or ‘dragon turtle’ is arranged on the west side of the Qianqing Palace as a symbol of prosperity, courage, longevity, power and success.