Ripe chestnut yellow field-yellow stone seal with handle of two Chihus

Qing dynasty (1644-1911)
Length：4.6cm
Width：4.6cm
Height：13.8cm
Weight：640g

The rectangle seal had boxy seal bottom and presented yellow color as ripe chestnut in auburn shade. There were also apparent radish veins and red veins. Mild and translucent texture formed good quality.

The seal handle performed two sitting Chihus in relationship of mother and son. Big Chihu turned around her head to the right and small Chihu looked up to the left while sitting on mother’s back. The two Chihus illustrates features of protruding eyes, side vision, spirited look, open mouth, and revealed teeth. In addition, their furcated and curled horns were combined with a string of hair backward. Forktails were close to the backside. Beard of big Chihu placed naturally down to the chest. They both had traits of hunch back, sharp claws, and powerful muscle. Vividness, mightiness and motherliness depicted the whole picture.

Bas-relief was applied on four seal sides. The top side was carved with dragon-shaped beast and Hui pattern. The lower side demonstrated a phoenix and auspicious clouds. Elaborately carving formed a lifelike picture.

Relief seal bottom expressed seven characters. “Clarion of fledgling phoenix towers over adult phoenix” It was done by Li Shangyin of Tang dynasty (618-907).