Large square gilt bronze seal topped by a crouching mythological animal called 'Qilin'. We acquired this seal together with seal 3502 (see Quick Find) from an old collector in Hong Kong in 1992. He claimed that the material from which the seal was carved is jade, but we believe that it is some kind of alabaster. This seal was extensively used so the gilding is somewhat rubbed, Its companion 3502 is in much better condition and was therefore not used too often. Both seals date from the Qing period (1644 - 1912). Height 4.2 cm. Width 5.6 cm. Depth 5.6 cm.