Chinese Seal with Xuangui Mythological Dragon Turtle Top

A dragon's head, a turtle's shell and a tail curled up like a hook.

This seal with a Xuangui, or mythological dragon turtle, top comes from China, dates to the early 20th century and is carved in hardstone. Chinese seals were pressed into red paste to sign paintings, letters and documents, and their carved tops were a favored place for auspicious beasts. The creature sits on a low oval platform, its domed shell polished smooth and its dragon head turned forward with bulging eyes and a curling mane. A thick tail sweeps up behind. The stone is a deep reddish brown with darker veining down the tall oval body. It is 5 inches high and 2.75 wide.

Signing one's name, with a bodyguard.