White jade seal of Hetian ‘Dragon’, Qing dynasty

A magnificent white jade seal carved in one piece, with subtle gold and reddish flecks. On the upper part of the seal is a free-standing figure of a dragon, depicted in a menacing pose, with muscular legs flexed and resting on three sharp claws. The expression is intense, with wide-open eyes and closed jaws beneath which is a long beard. Crowning the head are short, pointed ears and imposing antlers. Below the base is a seven-character seal ‘千古诗书屋壁香’. It shows patina produced by the passage of time. Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) or later. 

Size: 5.5 x 3.8 x 4 cm

Weight: 148.2 g