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Hello,
this one was recently acquired. I was attracted to the neat calligraphy on 2 sides with the foo dog details nicely done.
Your information regarding the writings and seal would be greatly appreciated. thank you for looking
Kind regards
Kevin

First, thank you for showing the seal in good clear photos, not just the mark or the bit needing translation. I no longer will waste my time translating marks without pictures of the whole object. After all, we are all still learning, and seeing objects is part of the learning experience.

Now, to your seal. The printing face reads Zhong Xiang Shou Ming Zhi Bao 中興受命之寶 which means something along the lines of 'the treasure with instructions for rejuvenation.'

I am concerned about the 'carving' of the sutra on the sides. From the photos, it looks to me that this has been cast rather than carved. There are a number of seal 'stones' I have seen which are made from a composite material, which can be moulded with a high degree of accuracy. The ones I have seen were fro Taiwan. I also have an inkstone, which is to all appearances real stone, but which is a composite material. Works just as well as a real stone, but isn't real.

You didn't give dimensions. Still an interesting object to have and study.

I have added more photos to show greater detail to what I have now learned is a literati class studio chop seal with proverbs or poetry written on the sides. The uneven surfaces of the base can be picked-up better viewing these, and the unevenness suggests all hand work. The wax finish has darkened in spots.
Any interpretations on the seal and writings would be greatly appreciated. also, I wonder if any of the work is dated
Many thanks for looking

Kind regards

Kevin

A seal with a similar message (adding Da Song) before the Zhong Xing Shou Ming, can be seen at:
http://www.gucn.com/Service_CurioStall_Show.asp?Id=3794487

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