Imperial white jade 'ziqiang buxi' seal, Qing dynasty, Qianlong period (1736 - 1795)

White jade carved in one piece. The seal is crowned by a splendid carving of an imperial lion holding the large, almost square pedestal. The head is raised and the mouth is open, revealing its fangs. The body is extremely muscular, with a dragon's head, bulging eyes, Qilin horns, ruyi-shaped nose, scales, beards... finely incised. On the lower face are the characters "Zi Qiang Bu Xi" (The knight never ceases to strengthen himself), in seal script. It shows patina from age.

The type of jade used, with a natural white tone, granulation, transparency and natural veining, with small reddish-gold inclusions, is of Sinkiang (Hetian) origin "新疆和田玉". The reddish-golden hue is due to the concentration of iron oxide and is distributed in dots or flakes in the surface pores. The location of the spots is chosen at the tip of the nose, the tail and the sides of the seal. In particular, this shade is characteristic of the Qianlong period.

Imperial seals of white jade, especially with the inscription "Zi Qiang Bu Xi", were favoured by the Qianlong Emperor. This expression is taken from a line in the Confucian classic "The Book of Changes", which reminds us of our duties as emperor in his concern for his subjects. Emperor Qianlong reigned for many years and was fond of promoting artistic objects. Thus, in order to reflect his important events, he sponsored the production, for example, of imperial seals in jade. Between 1789 and 1794, on the occasion of a major event, his 80th birthday, he ordered the production of up to 140 individual imperial stamps in series. As they are made in different formats, they exist with different reverse stamps, letter formats and frames. Three white jade seals were created in the imperial workshops in Suzhou, one with the inscription "Zi Qiang Bu Xi" and two others "Yanchun ge" (Pavilion of Prolonged Spring) and "Bazhengmao nian" (Eighty-year-old man aware of the eighth principle), which were considered a set, as documented in the palace deeds.

After studying the characteristics of this piece, its quality, its remarkable execution, the jade used and the data given above, it may be one of the seals made in the period 1789-1794 ordered by the emperor. During the Jiaqing reign, imperial seals were stored with the belongings of the Qianlong Emperor. There are other examples of imperial seals in private collections and auctions that left the palace at some point. 

In the 60th year of his reign the Qianlong Emperor abdicated, his son became emperor and was named "太上皇" (Supreme Emperor). After he abdicated, he continued to produce a wide variety of precious objects, but there could not be two emperors at the same time. This seal has a very special historical and political background because it describes the process of transfer of power.

As usual in Qianlong productions, each figure offers important details in terms of meaning. Five claws are seen on the front legs and four on the hind legs. The front ones are more strongly nailed to the pedestal, with the intention of remaining anchored. However, by having four claws on the hind legs, it wants to express the intention of preparing to leave the legacy to the next emperor. In addition, the jade spots are on the tip of the nose and tail, representing the wish of good omen for the descendant and the end of the previous era.

Height: 11 cm; Base size: 6 x 5.8 cm; Weight: 710 g.

Provenance: Important collection of Tommy Lam, Hong Kong, since 1980.

References: 

Sotheby's, "Important Chinese Art," October 7, 2015, Hong Kong, lot 3621. Sold for: 24,080,000 HKD.

Bonhams, "Fine Chinese Art," 11 November 2010, lot 55.