My photo
I am an artist who has lived in Los Angeles, New York City and, now, northern California. My initial interest in art was provoked by the Asian collection at the Seattle Art Museum when I was in high school, and it has continued to this day. I am not a collector, merely an admirer who has picked up the odd scroll, print or seal. Seals especially have engaged a deep involvement and I welcome this opportunity to share. For my own primarily sculptural works please visit my website lorenmadsen.com.

Two frogs crawling over a lotus plant

         
Dimensions: 3.4"h x .87" x .87"
Studio name: Ying Shan
Date: 1774
Inscription: Qianlong, 38th year, Spring, 1st month, 3rd day, carved by Ying Shan.
Impression: (Ying Shan zhen zang) Ying Shan's Collection

Another example of tour-de-force carving, of two frogs crawling over a lotus leaf. Probably a fake. The reign of the emperor Qianlong (1736-1796) was a highpoint of Chinese art and there are many 'copies' so dated. Any Chinese artifact dated in the Qianlong period must be suspect. I have a couple more!