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ID #SA1127943
FOR SALE
£350
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A Chinese Carved Soapstone 'Chi Dragon' Seal Qing Dynasty
For sale by Sandbanks Antiques
for sale €410     $445
£350
Sandbanks Antiques

Sandbanks Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Jan 2025
Browse dealers 205 items
  • About Us
    Specialising in antique silver, gold boxes, gold coins and objects de vertu. Rare fine-quality imperial chinese porcelain, jades, cloisonné
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Id #SA1127943
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A Chinese Carved Soapstone 'Chi Dragon' Seal Qing Dynasty

19th century
Description

A CHINESE CARVED SOAPSTONE 'CHI DRAGON' SEAL QING DYNASTY

Of oval form, the finial carved with a chi dragon upon on an uneven rock

Length 8cm

Width 3.7cm

Physical Dimensions
Width
3.7cm (1.46")
Declaration

Sandbanks Antiques has dated this Chinese Soapstone Dragon Seal to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1127943
Description
A CHINESE CARVED SOAPSTONE 'CHI DRAGON' SEAL QING DYNASTY

Of oval form, the finial carved with a chi dragon upon on an uneven rock

Length 8cm

Width 3.7cm

Width
3.7cm (1.46")
Date of Manufacture

Sandbanks Antiques has dated this Chinese Soapstone Dragon Seal to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1127943
Sandbanks Antiques
Sandbanks Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Jan 2025

Specialising in antique silver, gold boxes, gold coins and objects de vertu. Rare fine-quality imperial chinese porcelain, jades, cloisonné

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Sandbanks Antiques Profile Page

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A carved warm amber-brown soapstone seal featuring a crouching chi dragon atop an oblong base with incised Chinese inscriptions.
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Archive I A carved warm amber-brown soapstone seal featuring a crouching chi dragon atop an oblong base with incised Chinese inscriptions.

A Chinese Carved Soapstone 'Chi Dragon' Seal Qing Dynasty

Archive II A carved warm amber-brown soapstone seal featuring a crouching chi dragon atop an oblong base with incised Chinese inscriptions. View II
Archive III A carved warm amber-brown soapstone seal featuring a crouching chi dragon atop an oblong base with incised Chinese inscriptions. View III
Archive IV A carved warm amber-brown soapstone seal featuring a crouching chi dragon atop an oblong base with incised Chinese inscriptions. View IV
Archive V A carved warm amber-brown soapstone seal featuring a crouching chi dragon atop an oblong base with incised Chinese inscriptions. View V
Archive VI A carved warm amber-brown soapstone seal featuring a crouching chi dragon atop an oblong base with incised Chinese inscriptions. View VI
Archive VII A carved warm amber-brown soapstone seal featuring a crouching chi dragon atop an oblong base with incised Chinese inscriptions. View VII
Archive VIII A carved warm amber-brown soapstone seal featuring a crouching chi dragon atop an oblong base with incised Chinese inscriptions. View VIII
Archive IX A carved warm amber-brown soapstone seal featuring a crouching chi dragon atop an oblong base with incised Chinese inscriptions. View IX
Archive X A carved warm amber-brown soapstone seal featuring a crouching chi dragon atop an oblong base with incised Chinese inscriptions. View X
Archive XI A carved warm amber-brown soapstone seal featuring a crouching chi dragon atop an oblong base with incised Chinese inscriptions. View XI
Archive XII A carved warm amber-brown soapstone seal featuring a crouching chi dragon atop an oblong base with incised Chinese inscriptions. View XII
Archive XIII A carved warm amber-brown soapstone seal featuring a crouching chi dragon atop an oblong base with incised Chinese inscriptions. View XIII
Enlarged Archival View
Sandbanks Antiques

Sandbanks Antiques
Telephone 07889 139677
Location
Sandbanks
Poole
Dorset
United Kingdom

By appointment only in Poole or London.
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/sandbanks
Verified Since Jan 2025
Items For Sale 205
Items Sold 86
Sandbanks Antiques
Sandbanks Antiques
Verified Since Jan 2025
View Dealer Info
Location: Sandbanks, Poole, Dorset, United Kingdom, , By appointment only in Poole or London.
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/sandbanks
Verified
Jan 2025
For Sale
205
Sold
86
A carved warm amber-brown soapstone seal featuring a crouching chi dragon atop an oblong base with incised Chinese inscriptions.
A CHINESE CARVED SOAPSTONE 'CHI DRAGON' SEAL QING DYNASTY
Ref: SA1127943
A carved warm amber-brown soapstone seal featuring a crouching chi dragon atop an oblong base with incised Chinese inscriptions.
Detail View 1
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Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectSeals
  • Period19th century
  • StyleQing Dynasty
  • MaterialSoapstone, Steatite
  • ColourWarm Brown
  • MotifsChi dragon finial, Incised calligraphic characters, Naturalistic boulder form
  • SizeW 3.7 cm (1 in)

This Chinese carved soapstone seal originates from the Qing Dynasty in the 19th century. The piece comprises an oblong, naturalistic boulder form in warm brown tones, decorated with incised calligraphic characters along the lower sides and an irregular indentation on the top surface. Perched atop the stone base is a finely detailed chi dragon finial, its body arched with paws gripping the rock and a curled tail extending downwards. The stone exhibits a smooth, glossy polish across its upper surfaces with varied natural amber-brown shading and darker mottling near the base. Measuring 3.7 cm wide, this compact scholar's object fits neatly into the decor of a gentleman's library or office. Placed on an office desk, it functions as a decorative paperweight, display piece, or traditional writing accessory.

FAQs

During the Qing dynasty, soapstone seals served as personal signets and artistic stamps used by scholars, calligraphers, and officials to authorise documents and mark artwork. They were prized both for functional utility and as sculptural examples of stone carving art.

Chinese seals are commonly carved from soft mineral stones such as soapstone, steatite, Shoushan, or Qingtian stone. Artisans carved these stones using hand tools to create mythological beast finials and incised calligraphic inscriptions.

Authentic period pieces exhibit natural surface wear, hand-carved tool marks within the details, and a soft patina created by age and handling. Inscriptions feature traditional calligraphic styles rendered with hand craftsmanship.

These decorative stone objects are ideal for styling office desks, mantelpieces, or curated bookshelf vignettes alongside leather-bound books and ceramic objects.

Clean soapstone gently using a soft, dry lint-free cloth to remove dust. Avoid using water, detergents, or chemical solvents, and keep the stone away from direct heat sources to preserve its original surface.
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