18th C. Chinese Qing Dynasty Jade Chop Block Stamp

East Asia, China, Qing Dynasty, ca. 18th to 19th century CE. A fine carved jade seal with a square, block shape and incised characters. The verso is smooth and polished, with a single character etched into the top. The stamp face is carved in the "yang wen" or "zhuwen" style, meaning that the characters are in relief, so they would be coated in ink for the imprint. These impressive seals were used as signatures and were important to legitimize documents and mandates from officials and emperors. This large seal is carved of precious jade stone of an attractive pale green hue, suggesting that this may have been the mark of an elite individual. Size: 1.5" L x 1.5" W x 0.85" H (3.8 cm x 3.8 cm x 2.2 cm)

Provenance: private New Jersey, USA collection; ex-private Arts du Monde collection, New York, New York, USA, acquired 1980s to 1990s

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#168119
Condition Report: Old loss to lower corner as shown. Chips and nicks to peripheries and surface abrasions. Stamp and incised writing are all clear with good remains of red ink pigmentation.