A large square seal

Qing dynasty, 1644 - 1912
Height: 3 in. (7.4 cm.)
Width: 2 in. (5 cm.)

Of pale yellow color with veining of various shades of red, carved with two toads and scolling water, standing on a large square platform incised on the base in raised archaic character 不 积 非 分 过 量 之 财 供 愚 昧 子 孙 无 为 徒 食 之 资.

The inscription can be translated to "Don't save too much money for your successors, in case they become foolish and inactive, only relying on their inherited property to feed themselves".

Provenance: Private collection, Chicago

Ref. 980101

SOLD