Fire-Gilded Bronze Seal with Ivory Scrimshaw Case – China, ca. 1800–1880 (Late Qing)
Small desk seal cast in bronze with remains of fire-gilding; the handle modelled as a coiled dragon. Original ivory sleeve engraved in black-filled scrimshaw lines. Natural age wear and oxidation; no modern repairs observed.
Valuation Report
Fire-gilded bronze scholar’s seal with natural ivory scrimshaw sleeve, combining a 24 kt mercury-amalgam gilded seal block and a finely engraved ivory case from the late Qing period.
Material and technique: fire-gilded bronze seal (24 kt) with natural ivory sleeve; mercury-amalgam gilding, hand-engraved scrimshaw lines with original black pigment in the cuts.
Dimensions: seal height 17.9 cm, width 2.7 cm; sleeve height 16.2 cm, width 2.5 cm; Foo Dog finial height 2.9 cm; total weight approx. 180 g.
Period and region: China, Late Qing Dynasty, circa 1800–1880.
Condition: original gilding with stable patina, complete scholar’s set with intact ivory sleeve and crisp scrimshaw carving. No modern repairs, re-plating, artificial patina or recent interventions observed.
Examination: assessed with museum-grade analytical methods including daylight, polarized light, UV fluorescence and high-magnification microscopy of both the gilded bronze and the ivory surfaces.
1stbuddha retail valuation (guidance): €3 200 – €4 800.
Fire-Gilded Bronze Seal with Ivory Scrimshaw Case – China, ca. 1800–1880 (Late Qing)
Description
Well-preserved Chinese desk seal from the late Qing period. The circular seal face shows archaizing script within a beaded border. The bronze body retains traces of original fire-gilding and time-softened tool marks. The companion sleeve is worked from genuine ivory, engraved and ink-filled with flowing dragon motifs; under magnification the surface shows the expected organic structure, minute age fissures and pigment residue in the cuts. Overall patina, oxidized gilding islands and grime in recesses are consistent with long domestic use and storage.
Compliance note: possession and trade of antique ivory are regulated. Sale is offered subject to applicable CITES/EU/national rules and the pre-1947/antique exemptions where relevant; buyer is responsible for any import permissions.
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Fire-Gilded Bronze Seal with Ivory Scrimshaw Case – China, ca. 1800–1880 (Late Qing)
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