Chinese Tang Agate Seal for Emperor Taizong

Octagonal in plan with high-relief eagle in flight holding lingzhi fungi in the beak; to the underside, the four-character seal of Emperor Taizong bearing his personal name 'Li Shimin'. 123 grams, 50 mm



Property of a Middlesex lady. From the private collection of a Lancashire gentleman.

Taizong was the second Emperor of the Tang Dynasty, ruling from 626 to 649 AD. His reign was characterised by reform and the adoption of logical rather than superstitious reasoning. Dr Bonewitz notes: 'The seal is partially encrusted with very hard caliche (or calcrete) which takes a long period to develop, possibly over many centuries.'

Comprising a discoid body and cylindrical socket pierced twice for attachment (one piercing occluded); a circumferential zoomorphic frieze in high-relief to the exterior, displaying a procession of vegetal forms alternating with real and mythical creatures, each with stylised anatomical detailing: a monkey; a fenghuang; a leopard (or other feline); a tiger; set with a moonstone-quality khotain jade roundel, carved in high-relief with two sinuous fantastical beasts, swirling clouds in the field; minor restoration. 387 grams, 76 mm

Some restoration, very good condition.

Acquired from Dandelion Fine Arts, Hollywood Road, Hong Kong, 1970s. Ex Prof. David Anderson collection. UK private collection, circa 2010. Accompanied by a copy of metallurgic analytical results, written by metallurgist Dr Peter Northover (ex Department of Materials, Materials Science-Based Archaeology Group & Department of Materials, University of Oxford). Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12036-211774.

The Khotain jade was the best 'moonstone' quality used for gilded-bronzes, and came from the White Jade River, available after the signature of a military treaty in about 69BC to 101AD. This object is believed to have been produced for a notable client, likely even for a royal given the item's similarity to a finial excavated from the tomb of a Prince of Zhongshan.

Carved bust with dressed hair beneath a lobed diadem with foliage detailing, serene face with eyes closed, urna to the brow; yellow, green, red and other pigment; mounted on a sturdy wooden stand. 7 kg total, 44.5 cm including stand



From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.