Carved Stone Seals Appraisal

Pair of Chinese Carved Stone Foo Dog Seals (Chops)

This is a pair of carved stone seals, likely made from a type of soapstone or jade, given their coloration and apparent texture. Each seal consists of a rectangular block base surmounted by a sculpted Foo Dog (also known as a Chinese guardian lion) figure. The Foo Dogs are depicted in a playful or defensive stance, with noticeable musculature and carved details indicating fur or mane. Their expressions are distinct, with prominent snouts, eyes, and ears. One Foo Dog appears to be holding a spherical object, possibly a 'brocade ball,' which often symbolizes power or good fortune. The material exhibits a range of natural earthy tones, from a warm, translucent yellowish-brown in the carved figures to a mottled greenish-yellow in the bases, suggesting inherent variations within the stone. Each base has carved characters on one side, which appear to be Chinese script, likely indicating a name or a phrase, making these personal seals (chops). The craftsmanship appears to be of good quality, with attention to detail in the carving of the animal figures, showing relatively smooth finishes and definition. There are no immediately apparent signs of major damage, cracks, or repairs, though some minor surface wear or natural fissures in the stone may be present, consistent with their age and use. The specific style of the carving and the presence of Chinese characters suggest an Asian origin, likely Chinese, and they appear to be of some age, possibly dating to the late 19th or 20th century. The quality of the carving, material, and legible characters would be important factors in their appraisal.