Lot 85. A smoky crystal 'qilin' seal, Qing dynasty, Guangxu period (1875-1908); 5 cm,  2 in. Estimate £15,000 - £25,000. Lot sold £62,500 (€71,581). © Sotheby's.

of square section surmounted by a Qilin seated on its haunches with the body hunched, the beast depicted with a bifurcated mane and taut muscles detailed with fine incisions. the seal face carved with an inscription reading le min zhi le, (When a ruler rejoices in the joy of his people, they also rejoice in his joy).

Provenance: Collection of Gustav Detring (1842-1913) and/or Constantin von Hanneken (1854-1925), and thence by descent. 

Note: A similar seal impression is recorded in the Guangxu Baosou (Catalogue of Imperial Seals of the Qing dynasty, Guangxu Section).

Sotheby's. Important Chinese Art, London, 7 November 2018, 10:30 AM