Lot 1119. A large bamboo root seal, 18th century; 3 ½ in. (8.8 cm.) high. Estimate USD 3,000 - USD 5,000. Price realised USD 1,000. © Christie's Image Ltd 2016.

Of rhinoceros horn form, the seal is carved from a rhizome with a writhing chilong on one side, and the seal face is carved with four characters, ru ci jiang shan ('river and mountain such as this'). The bamboo is patinated to a reddish-brown tone.

Provenance: By repute: David Kidd (1926-1996) Collection, Japan.

Note: The text of the inscription comes from an article written by Zhu Bolu (Zhuzi [1627-1698]), a Ming dynasty scholar. It was meant as an instruction to his own descendants, but has become a guide for later generations of Chinese for conduct in their homes, at the workplace, and in society.

Christie's. THE IAN AND SUSAN WILSON COLLECTION OF SCHOLAR'S OBJECTS, 17 March 2016, New York, Rockefeller Plaza