Lot 296
Two chilong dragons sprawled across the top of the seal face to face, each one with legs extended in a crouch, body forming an S-curve from the head to the bifurcated tail, the facial features and tufts of fur incised, the seal face reads "Dao Tian Zhu Sheng Ren Wan Nian Chang Shou Chang", translated as "Pray for the blessings of heaven, wishing the saint longevity and prosperity for ten thousand years."
The phrase "Dao Tian Zhu Sheng Ren Wan Nian Chang Shou Chang" (Praying to Heaven for the Saintly Ruler's Eternal Longevity and Prosperity) originally comes from Yuan dynasty poet Zhao Mengfu's "Twenty-Four Poems on Farming and Weaving, Composed by Imperial Decree." It was later commonly used as the inscription for imperial seals during the Qing dynasty. Such seals were typically referred to as "Daotian Zhushengren Seals." These seals were primarily used during significant rituals and ceremonies, such as offerings to heaven and blessings, symbolizing prayers for the emperor's eternal reign and the nation's prosperity. Most of these seals were crafted from jade, showcasing exquisite carving techniques and elegant inscriptions, embodying the grandeur of the imperial court. The inscriptions were written in seal script (zhuan shu), noted for their refined and solemn appearance. These seals represent a critical symbol of imperial authority during the Qing dynasty and are regarded as valuable historical artifacts. Some of these seals are preserved in cultural institutions, such as the Palace Museum.
清 康熙 「祈天祝聖人萬年長壽昌」和田白玉龍鈕御璽
「祈天祝聖人萬年長壽昌」這句印文原出自元代詩人趙孟頫的《题耕织图二十四首奉懿旨撰》，後常用於清代皇帝御用印章的印文，此類印章通常被稱為「祈天祝聖人璽」。主要用於祭天、祈福等重大儀式及文書中，表達對皇帝萬年長壽、國運昌盛的祝願。多為玉製，雕工精細，刻字端莊典雅，充分體現皇家氣派。印文為篆書，典雅莊重。此類印章為清代皇權象徵的重要實物之一。
源流：
南加州Charles Blackmon舊藏。
美國南部博物館館藏。
展覽：
墨爾本，《蒼穹》，2024年7月5-7日。
出版：
Leonard Joel，《蒼穹》，2024年7月5-7日, 展品號：2，頁：6。
5.7cm long; 5.7cm wide; 5.5cm high; 310g
Estimate $100,000 - $200,000
Overall in good condition.
Please click here to see the detail photos of the whole auction.
The opinions expressed in the condition reports are a guide only and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Prospective buyers are encouraged to seek further information or request additional images during our pre-sale period where Leonard Joel staff are available for advice. Please note condition reports can be amended during the pre-sale period, so we strongly suggest any interested bidders check the published condition report available on the website before the auction commences. Leonard Joel makes no guarantee of the originality of mechanical or applied components. Absence of reference to such modifications does not imply that a lot is free from modifications.
Charles Mason Blackmon Collection, South Carolina;
Property from a Southern Museum in USA (accessioned in 1964, from label reads "64.27.5").
Charles Mason Blackmon, born in Darlington, South Carolina, in the early 20th century, was a dedicated collector of Asian art. His passion for collecting began during his sophomore year at the College of Charleston and grew during his service in Southern China and Myanmar (Burma) during World War II. After graduating from Harvard in 1934, Blackmon's deepening appreciation for Asian cultures led him to focus on a wide range of objects, with a particular affinity for jade. His collection includes jade, porcelain, bronzes, and everyday items, representing various cultural and historical periods.A meticulous and hands-on collector, Blackmon often carried jade pieces with him to better understand their quality and refine his eye for fine examples. In 1961, he became involved with several Southern institutions, contributing to the broader appreciation of Asian art. Over the years, Blackmon generously loaned pieces from his collection to museums, enriching public understanding of the cultural significance of these objects. His collection encompasses both personal and religious items, such as jade belt hooks, snuff bottles, porcelain jars, and bronze censers, all reflecting his lifelong dedication to art and collecting.
Melbourne, Vault of Heaven-A Chinese Art Exhibition to Celebrate the Year of the Dragon, Leonard Joel, 05-07 July, 2024.
Vault of Heaven-A Chinese Art Exhibition to Celebrate the Year of the Dragon, Leonard Joel, 05-07 July, 2024, no.2 p.6.
Fine Chinese and Asian Art
AUCTION
Sale: LJ8763
11:00am - 2 March 2025
Hawthorn
VIEWING
Thurs 27 Feb - Sat 1 Mar, 10am - 4pm
2 Oxley Rd, Hawthorn VIC
CONTACT
Luke Guan
asianart@leonardjoel.com.au
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