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TAN ZIWEI: A FINE SHOUSHAN SOAPSTONE ‘MYTHICAL BEAST’ SEAL China, 19th to early 20th century. Of oval cross-section, surmounted by a leonine beast reclining on its haunches, its head sharply turned to the left as if glancing backward. The bifurcated tail, scaly chest, and large mane of the mythical creature masterfully rendered, as is the gaping mouth revealing sharp fangs. The semi-translucent stone of an attractive greenish-white tone with blood-red inclusions. One side of the seal finely inscribed and the seal face carved in shallow relief with a six-character inscription. Inscriptions: To the side of the seal, Gengxnnian zhongqiu yue 庚戌年仲秋月 [Mid-Autumn Month, Year of Gengxu] and signed Tan Ziwei 譚子渭 Provenance: From The Sam and Myrna Myers Collection, Paris, France. Acquired between circa 1965-2012. Condition: Good condition with old surface wear and natural imperfections, such as inclusions and fissures, some of which have developed into small hairlines. Distinct traces of use, including remnants of old red pigment on the seal. Scattered minute nicks and shallow surface scratches. Minor nibbling along the edges. The soapstone with an appealing, unctuous feel overall. Weight: 83.4 g Dimensions: Height 5.9 cm Literature comparison: Compare a related tianhuang soapstone ‘mythical beast’ seal, China, Qing dynasty, 18th century, 4.4 cm high, in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, object number 2015.500.6.17. Auction result comparison: Type: Related Auction: Sotheby’s Hong Kong, 18 April 2024, lot 784 Price: HKD 10,160 or approx. EUR 1,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Description: An inscribed Shoushan soapstone ‘mythical beast’ seal, by Xu Yunshu, 20th century Expert remark: Compare the related pose of the creature similarly glancing backwards, manner of carving, and color of the stone. Note the slightly larger size (6.8 cm).