seal BM-SLMisc.418

Period:Unknown Production date:17thC
Materials:jasper, stone,
Technique:

Dimensions:Height: 6.20 centimetres Width: 2.40 centimetres Depth: 2.30 centimetres

Description:
Seal with knob in the shape of a rectangular pillar with a key-fret patterned band round the knob and character shou 壽 (longevity) in four stylized styles on four sides and a stylized dragon on the top of the knob. The base was carved with four character inscription 師論之印 (Seal of Being an Educator) in intaglio. Made of jasper.
IMG


Comments:The inscription, ‘Seal of Being an Educator’ 師論之印, possibly refers to the essay ‘On Being an Educator’ written by Han Feizi (韓非子 280BC-233BC) , a reknowned Chinese philosopher during the late Warring States period. In Sloane’s own manuscript catalogue of his ‘Miscellanies’ (AOA library, BM), this was catalogued as “418. One of their Seals or characters in redish alabaster or marble.”