Lot 19C

Chinese Ming Era Serpentine Lion Scholar Stamp Seal

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Chinese Ming Era Serpentine Lion Scholar Stamp Seal

Estimate: $1,500 - $2,250

Starting Bid: $750

(0 Bids)

October 2, 2025 8:00 AM MDT (In Progress)
Live Auction
Louisville, CO, US


Description:

East Asia, China, Ming Dynasty, ca. 1368 to 1644 CE. A hand-carved serpentine chop stamp seal of mottled green stone with darker inclusions, the top surmounted by a recumbent beast - likely a stylized lion - serving as the finial. The seal face is crisply incised with four characters, which purportedly translate to "seal of the tribute scholar" along with a personal name. The owner may have been a provincial-level examination graduate in the imperial civil service system. After passing the provincial examination a scholar earned the title Juren or Gongshi. Holders of this rank were recognized as part of the official scholar class, eligible for certain lower-level government posts. If this seal is indeed inscribed with such a title - this was owned by someone of scholarly prestige - signifying not merely literacy, but the achievement of formal status within China's merit-based bureaucracy! Size: 1.5" L x 1.25" W x 2.5" H (3.8 cm x 3.2 cm x 6.4 cm)

Provenance: private Boise, Idaho, USA collection; ex-old Camarillo, California, USA collection

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#195862

  • Condition: Small repair to corner of seal face with gouge and chip to this area. Chips to the lion tail, and corners of the seal. Overall nice antique condition.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000