Ripe chestnut yellow field-yellow stone seal with handle of lion head

Qing dynasty (1644-1911)

Length：7cm

Width：7cm

Height：8cm

Weight：830g

This square seal showed ripe chestnut yellow in brownish red and the texture carried yellow in dark auburn. There were apparent radish veins and orange peel veins under light.

In the center of seal, there was a lion head facing upward. The lion had traits of open round eyes, open mouth, revealed teeth, and a ring in the mouth. Lively muscle fully demonstrated in the lion face and a loop of pearl gave a lining to hair on the neck. The whole lifelike style developed mighty and vigorous manner.

Four sides of seal were engraved with four tools of power by eight immortals. The fan of Zhongli Quan could revive the dead. The fish drum of elder Zhang Guo could practice divination. The gourd bottle of Iron-clutch Li could give relief to all living creatures. The flute of philosopher Han Xiang could breed life.

The seal bottom was applied with relief carving. Twelve characters from right to left were illustrated as follows. “Natural chasm can be leaped over by flying body. High peak can be conquered by vigorous steps.

These twelve characters had been used by Hu Yao-bang, who is the leader of China as secretary general. He inscribed those words in his own handwriting in Luding bridge of Luding county in Sichuan province in 1985. The purpose was to praise Red army highly and commemorated their former glory.