Bidspirit auction | Tianhuang Stone Auspicious Beast Finial

Tianhuang Stone Auspicious Beast Finial Seal Carved by Xu Tongbo - This exquisite Tianhuang stone seal, carved by the renowned Qing dynasty seal engraver Xu Tongbai (1775–1854), represents the pinnacle of material rarity and scholarly artistry. Fashioned from a choice block of Shoushan Tianhuang—prized as the ”emperor of stones” for its warm, translucent chestnut hue and subtle radish-vein texture—the square body supports a finely modelled mythical lion knop in recumbent pose, its mane flowing in rhythmic waves, eyes alert, and claws subtly gripping the surface, conveying dignified repose and protective vigour. The sides bear a lengthy inscription in seal script, executed with precise, archaic fluency characteristic of Xu's mastery of ancient scripts and his close association with Jinshi scholarship. The face impresses a bold, balanced composition of archaic characters, now deepened by age to a rich reddish patina. Dimensions 3.6 × 3.8 cm (base), height 4.9 cm overall, weight 127 grams. The luminous stone, with its gentle translucency and natural warmth, has acquired a soft, mellow patina through careful handling and preservation. A work of exceptional pedigree, combining the supreme prestige of Tianhuang material with the erudite hand of a master seal carver celebrated for his command of ancient bronze inscriptions and seal script.