Chinese Monastery Stamp or Seal Depicting Buddhai

Note a hooded figure sits against a ruled curtain, with a rounded shape in its lap.

This monastery stamp or seal depicting a buddha is from China, and dates to the early 20th century. It is soapstone. Seals are used in China to sign and authenticate documents and works, and monasteries commonly kept their own for marking texts and certificates. Simply, a small rectangular slab carries a shallow relief of a seated, robed figure with a large oval form at its center. Curtain-like vertical lines frame the scene, and dark carving contrasts with reddish borders. It is 1.5 inches wide, 1.13 deep and 2.25 high.

A careful scene, set down deeply and without hurry.