Ivory seal

Abstract

With the inscription qin cì, ('bestowed by the Imperial household') on one side of the base, this remarkable square ivory seal may initially give the impression that it might have been a gift given to one of the Emperor's subjects or a high ranking official. This implication is furthered by another five-character inscription 'Jù Rén Shào Dao Su,' (probably the name of the Taoist priest Shào Dao Su) on the other side. On the opposite side, there are four characters qing jing yuan mo, meaning 'feeling serene in reflective quietness.' All inscriptions on these three sides of the base are written in the Regular Style. The bottom base of the seal echoes the same four well-balanced characters qing jing yuan mo, written in the Small Seal style. The lines have even thickness and the characters are very elongated so that they may fit neatly into a square. These four characters refer to a scholar's philosophical context. Therefore, they confirm that this seal is not from the Imperial Court. The inscriptions are mechanically uniform, implying that they were not written with a brush before being carved. The seal is made of elephant tusk ivory with remarkable grain and an antique finish. The handle is fashioned in the shape of the Ju-I (as you wish) with two identical sides, each carrying a symmetrical design of two storks (longevity) flying amidst a cloud on each side. There is an exceeding residue of vermilion ink paste on the base and the joined area between the handle and the seal. One missing corner of the base was mended with a fitting section of a different ivory color. Based on the overall physical inspection and stylistic examination, and despite its antique finish, this seal is probably a recent reproduction