Antiques, Estate & Job Lot Auction – 27 April 2026

Antiques, Estate & Job Lot Auction – 27 April 2026

Catalogue

Lot 563: A Chinese Carved Talismanic Scroll Weight

This auction ended on April 27, 2026.

Estimated price: £20 - £30

Buyer's Premium: 18%

Sold for: £18

A hollow, cylindrical tube carved from mottled hardstone, possibly nephrite jade, likely intended for use as a scroll weight or scholar’s object. The material displays a varied palette of honey-yellow, deep russet, and dark brown tones, consistent with natural inclusions and intentional surface treatment to simulate antiquity. The body is decorated with an incised vertical inscription in a highly stylized archaic script, characteristic of Taoist talismanic script or fuzhou. The leading character is ‘勅’ (Chì), denoting an imperial or divine command. This script is contained within a decorative border featuring elongated, flowing strokes and has been infilled with a light-coloured pigment to enhance visibility against the dark stone. The piece has a soft, waxy lustre and rounded rims.
Length: 8.5 cm.