Page 108 - Chinese works of art and paintings, March 19 Bonhams
P. 108
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A ‘TIANHUANG’ SEAL
Qing dynasty
The rectangular seal body with a irregularly-shaped rounded top, the
square seal face carved in relief with the saying shuo dao renqing jian
yu ming (in human relationships the sword cries out).
3 1/8in (8cm) high, 8.5oz (240.5g)
$10,000 - 15,000
清 田黃平鈕《說到人情鐱欲鳴》章
The saying carved into the seal is the second part of a two-part
idiom, the first part being kan lai shi shi jin neng yu (In worldly affairs,
gold can speak), the meaning being that in daily business, money is
the deciding factor, while relationships are driven by emotion, often
settled by a quick draw of the sword.
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