Published: Sam Bernstein, Things Rarely Seen. The Mark F. Kozloff Collection, San Francisco, 2014.

China, mid-19^th century. Of oval form, finely carved and reticulated to the top with a chilong dragon issuing a lingzhi from his mouth and with a bifurcated tail, cleverly using the russet areas to highlight the chilong’s head and the lingzhi. The workmanship of the depiction of the dragon as well as the calligraphy is masterfully rendered. The translucent stone of a grayish pale celadon tone with dark-gray, icy-white, and russet inclusions.

Inscription: The seal face carved with three characters, ‘Jiangutang’ (‘Hall of Appraisal of Antiquities’). This inscription refers to Zhao Zhiquan’s painting atelier known as the ‘Hall of Appraisal of Antiquities’ (Jianggutang) and suggests that the artist used this seal to attest works of art.

Provenance: Zhao Zhiquan (1829-1884). Thence by descent and via the trade to Sam Bernstein, San Francisco. From there into the collection of Dr. Mark F. Kozloff, Chicago, USA. Dr. Mark Kozloff is a an oncologist with over 30 years of experience in cancer treatment. He is also a proficient scientist, having co-authored more than 100 research papers that examine the efficacy, safety, and effects of drug therapies for cancer. Dr. Kozloff's interest in jade was piqued during a chance encounter with the late Sam Bernstein at San Francisco's Fairmont Hotel. After several visits and engaging in complimentary lessons in connoisseurship and collecting, the pair began a collaborative exchange of ideas and objects. With the expert guidance of Sam Bernstein aided by Dr. Kozloff's personal tastes, a grand collection slowly took shape. Dr. Kozloff acquired many pieces on his frequent trips around the world, from private collections as well as museums.
Condition: Very good condition with minor wear and minimal nibbling to the edges. The stone with natural fissures, some of which may have developed into thin hairline cracks.

Weight: 66.9 g
Dimensions: Length 4.2 cm

With an associated wood base. (2)

This seal was formerly owned by Zhao Zhiquan (1829-1884) who was considered one of the leading painters of the Shanghai school of art. He was a renowned Chinese painter, scholar, seal carver, and calligrapher during the later Qing dynasty. Zhao employed a ‘square brush’ style of calligraphy, inspired by the engraved stone writings of the Northern Wei dynasty. He developed a distinctive style incorporating design elements derived from ancient calligraphy inscriptions. He specialized in flower paintings in which he used the blank areas and textured surfaces together with calligraphy and bright vibrant colors. Zhaos’s work went on to have an important influence on later artists Wu Changshuo and Qi Baishi.

Auction result comparison:
Type: Closely related
Auction: Christie’s London, 8 November 2011, lot 257.
Price: GBP 32,450 or approx. EUR 61,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A small white and russet jade seal, 18^th century
Expert remark: Compare the closely related form and manner of carving. Note the white color with similar areas of russet. Note the size (2.8 cm).

Auction result comparison:
Type: Related
Auction: Christie’s Hong Kong, 26 November 2014, lot 3141
Price: HKD 275,000 or approx. EUR 40,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A white jade 'mythical beast' seal, Qing dynasty, 18th-19th century
Expert remark: Compare the related form, manner of carving, and subject. Note the white color with similar areas of russet. Note the smaller size (2.7 cm).