Lot 057 A HIGHLY IMPORTANT IMPERIAL WHITE JADE ‘MINGDE ZHI BAO’ SEALQIANLONG PERIOD (1736-1795)

Description

A HIGHLY IMPORTANT IMPERIAL WHITE JADE ‘MINGDE ZHI BAO’ SEAL
QIANLONG PERIOD (1736-1795)
清乾隆 御制白玉“命德之宝”交龙纽方玺
MEASUREMENTS
9.3 x 9.2 x 8.2 cm (3.6 x 3.6 x 3.2 in.)
ESTIMATE
USD 50,000 — 80,000
(HKD 390,000 — 624,000)
The imperial seal is masterfully carved from a substantial block of pale celadon-white jade, exhibiting a warm, lustrous finish and accented by natural russet inclusions that enhance its archaic character. The square platform is surmounted by a powerful double-headed dragon (jiaolong) handle. The mythical beasts are depicted recumbent with conjoined bodies, their muscular forms detailed with rhythmic scales and flowing manes. An aperture is pierced through the center of the conjoined mid-section, threaded with the original Imperial yellow silk braid terminating in elegant knotted tassels. The base is deeply incised with the four characters Mingde Zhi Bao (“Seal of Commissioned Virtue”) in both Manchu and Chinese seal script.
此玺由整块上等白玉雕琢而成，玉质温润，微带天然褐色沁点，平添古雅之气。方形玺台上方雕交龙纽，双龙首相对，身躯相连，细部刻划鳞纹及须发，遒劲有力。纽部中心对穿一孔，穿系原配皇室明黄丝带及如意结流苏。玺面阴刻满、汉双语篆书**“命德之宝”**四字，布局严谨。此玺体量厚重，其形制与工艺均展现了清代盛世极高的御用造办水准。
The “Mingde Zhi Bao” is one of the most significant ceremonial seals within the Qing imperial hierarchy, specifically designated for the “Guidance and Admonishment of Officials” (Gaojie Chengong). In 1746 (the 11th year of the Qianlong reign), the Emperor systematically re-designated the “Twenty-Five Treasury Seals” to standardize the imperial administrative authority; the “Mingde Zhi Bao” was established as a core component of this elite group. It was used to honor virtuous officials or to issue imperial decrees emphasizing moral governance. The specific combination of Manchu and Chinese scripts, the prestigious jiaolong handle, and the quality of the Khotan jade confirm its status as a definitive symbol of Qianlong’s imperial legitimacy and his philosophy of ruling through virtue.
“命德之宝”是清代皇帝用于“诰诫臣工”的重要宝玺，意在褒扬并训诫有德行的臣子，体现了清廷“德治”的政治理念。乾隆十一年（1746年），乾隆皇帝亲自厘定“二十五宝”，此宝位列其中。此类宝玺通常用于颁发诰命或对官员进行封赏与训示。此方宝玺的满汉文篆刻风格、交龙纽的雕琢水准以及玉材的选用，均严格遵循清宫御宝的典制。作为皇权的象征，它不仅是极其珍贵的艺术收藏品，更是研究清代宫廷制度与政治思想的重大历史实物。
PROVENANCE
• Private Collection, North America.
• 北美私人珍藏。
CONDITION REPORT
• Condition: In overall excellent imperial condition. The jade possesses a fine “mutton-fat” luster. The carving of the dragon handle remains crisp. Minor expected surface wear and natural stone veins. The original yellow silk braid is well-preserved with slight age-appropriate fading.
• 状况： 整体品相极佳。玉质光润，交龙纽雕工犀利。见时代特征之极轻微表面磨损及天然玉纹。原配明黄丝带保存完好，见自然岁月的轻微褪色感，保存状况非常理想。