Three Antique Chinese Stone Seals with Guardian-Beast Finials – Late Qing to Republic

A scholar’s group of three carved seals

Three tall Chinese stone chops form this unusually cohesive group, each crowned by a separately modelled guardian beast. Their rubbed corners, scratched shafts and darkened recesses record handling rather than decorative antiquing, while the carved sides and seal faces preserve several layers of personal use.

Period and stone

China, late Qing dynasty to early Republic period, c. 1880–1930. The warm brown, veined material is visually consistent with the soapstone/Shoushan-type stones traditionally favoured for seal carving.

• Seal A: H 16.6 × W 4.6 cm
• Seal B: H 15 × W 4.5 cm
• Seal C: H 15.5 × W 4.5 cm
• Combined weight: 2.5 kg

Names, virtues and poetic language

The inscriptions include 馬 (Ma, “horse”, also a family name), 崇德 (“honour / exalt virtue”) and 月雨 (“moon and rain”). Together they show the varied role of Chinese seals as personal identifiers, studio objects and carriers of literary sentiment.

Condition

Antique condition with extensive handling wear, surface scratches, small losses and rubbing to the carved animals. Traces of red seal pigment remain in several recessed designs. Offered only as the complete set of three.

Each object is examined before it is offered: material, casting or carving technique, surface, and signs of age are compared with documented references. You will receive a certificate of authenticity and an official invoice detailing the period, material, and available provenance.

How we verify authenticity

Fully insured worldwide shipping in museum-quality packaging. Returns are sent to our Dutch address and you have a 14-day cooling-off period.

Read the shipping policy and the refund policy.

Pay securely at checkout with credit card, Klarna, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. The certificate of authenticity and the invoice are included in the price.