Vintage Shishi (lions or "foo dogs") with 2 cubs --- bookend seals - estate sale

Description

Twin Chinese Shishi (lion) Seals
“Chinese guardian lions or Imperial guardian lions, often miscalled "Foo Dogs
" in the West, are a common representation of the lion in imperial China
. Chinese guardian lions are sometimes referred to in English as shishi, from the Chinese shí shī (Chinese
:
石獅
; pinyin
: shíshī; literally: "stone lion
"), which refers specifically to lion sculptures in stone.
The lions are traditionally carved from decorative stone, such as marble and granite or cast in bronze or iron. Because of the high cost of these materials and the labor required to produce them, private use of guardian lions was traditionally reserved for wealthy or elite families. Indeed, a traditional symbol of a family's wealth or social status was the placement of guardian lions in front of the family home.
The Chinese chop or seal is used to sign documents, artwork, and other paperwork. The Chinese chop is most commonly made from stone, but can also be made in plastic, ivory, or metal.
There are three Mandarin Chinese names for the Chinese chop or seal. The seal is most commonly called
印鑑
(yìn jiàn) or
印章
(yìnzhāng). It is also sometimes called
圖章
/
图章
(túzhāng).
The Chinese chop is used with a red paste called
朱砂
(zhūshā).
The chop is pressed lightly into the
朱砂
(zhūshā) then the image is transferred to paper by applying pressure to the chop. There may be a soft surface beneath the paper to ensure a clean transfer of the image. The paste is kept in a covered jar when not in use to prevent it from drying out.”
This impressive pair
of antique Chinese hand carved soapstone pillars measure approx. 8-1/4”
height (20.96 cm) x approx. 2.25 inches width (6 cm) x approx. 2.25 inches depth (6 cm).  They weigh approx. 3.5 lbs. (1.59 kg.) each for a total weight of approx. 7 lbs. (3.18 kg.).
They were carved from what seems to be very hard and heavy soapstone of marbled green and cream shades with rose-colored tinctures towards the top of the seal (more pronounced on one than the other). Beautifully done.
Both pillars were etched with calligraphy marks (see photos) on the facing side and have a typical Chinese characters seal on the bottom. The bottoms are clean with no trace of red sealing paste.
The shishi mother is shown playing with two cubs which crown each seal with only a slight variation in the seating of the three tussling felines. Expert craftsmanship. Great attention to detail. Very high relief figures. The symbols on the bottom of the seal and the calligraphy on the front side remain to be deciphered. Ideal for bookends or paperweights or could be used as decorative item.
Attractive
---
Unusual
---
Large
---
Heavy
.
Keep in mind that there are some color differences in the pictures due to the light/graphic qualities of the camera/flash and individual computer graphics capabilities . . . still a very beautiful pieces any way you turn them. In great condition.