Pretty Old Chinese Soapstone Foo-Dog? Seal

This is in Discussion because it doesn't seem to belong elsewhere.
Why don't we have an Asian Art forum?

The first pic is the underside of the cover on a 3-chambered vessel; the next two pics are of the mark on the base of the vessel itself, inverted for convenience an' because I cannot tell which way is up. That's been said about me regarding many other things, but I digress... That mark is about 3/4" square, an seems to be deeply incised, then filled with black ink.

In the following 4 pics, the sides of the seal itself are shown, rotated a quarter turn; the panels immediately beneath the Foo-Dog(?) are each subtly different, an suggest ideograms of a sort, an' I believe there is information in them, 'tho obscure to my western eyes...perhaps a few of my learned associates here can decipher them? The seal is about 2 1/2" high, an' perhaps 2" square. Then there are 3 views of the seal-face itself. Yeah, there should have been 4...but I must have fallen asleep before finishing the shoot. Again, I cannot correctly orient that face; perhaps the proper view is the one I didn't shoot? Please help in the translation, if you can.

Back to the first pic; the outline of the vessel can be seen. I don't own this item yet (('tho I probably can't afford it when (an' if) the owner sets a price)). I'll get more pics when I can, an' post 'em here. It's about 6" long, 3 1/2" wide, an' with its cover perhaps 5" high. I was told the red characters have something to do with a wedding, an' as the seal is the central part of the contents, I suspect it is also 'union of souls' or such themed.

I'll be very interested in, an' grateful for, every one of your opinions, comments, an' suggestions about this older soapstone article. As always, Thanks for lookin'!

 

get in touch with Peter and ask him to add a new Forum !!

 

I don't believe it hasn't been considered in the past, given the number of members who have such interests...
an' I had the idea that would be made clear in response to my query, Komo...I'm an unknown to Peter here, 'tho he may remember my post long ago on the Blade forum.
Do you...or any others, for that matter...think an Asian Art forum would be a good fit on the Board? If so, perhaps it could be pursued in an appropriate manner...a petition, perhaps? Thanks!

 

I think given the intricate mysteries of the last 5,000 years of Asian Art,and the endlessly humongous amount of it our gang here seem to find in every conceivable nook and cranny -an Asian Art Forum is a superb idea !

 

Thanks, Bosko...your support is most welcome!

 

@wlwhittier @bosko69 @komokwa
a separate Asian Art category
this was discussed back in 2017, screenshot of response from Davey, this is the link to discussion
https://www.antiquers.com/threads/d...etsukes-so-here-we-go.22276/page-2#navigation

 

I've been careful to be circumspect in my approach to this subject, specifically so this craft with limited freeboard doesn't get upset...I do NOT wish to Rock the Boat!!

 

Sorry-wasn't aware this subject had been discussed 8 years ago.

 

I'm well aware of this..

 

but it's not 2017 anymore.......... and growing the site.... might not be the worst idea that anyone's ever had !

 

I think what Davey said then made sense, we are lucky to have this space
I don't think any post looking for help with Asian items has been missed, just post your item and they will come

 

lol, you aren't rocking the boat

I just posted the info from 2017 because you and probably others weren't aware of it

 

I wasn't, as I've only been a member 3 years I think.

 

Ditto-We just need more PHD's in Asiatic Art hanging around here !
PS-Not that every and each member doesn't always do their best,thanks all for that.

 

Of course we are lucky , for what Peter has given to us...... Damn Lucky !!

but it hasn't changed since we got here, while everything around us has.

it's great that the site is still the same..... but an upgrade here or there..... couldn't hurt !

 

Hmm...I think I hear water comin' in over the gunwales!
Bailers, HO!

 

@wlwhittier @komokwa @bosko69
what about starting a thread titled 'Asian Art Help' or something along those lines and getting the admins to pin it at the top of the 'Antique Discussion' section - it will still be visible in google searches since it won't be in the general discussion section.

 

Be nice if we could lure some dedicated hardcore collectors & scholars really fluent in Chinese & Japanese over here, if we could do it in a way agreeable to all.

 

I don't see the need..... and we've called all translators...!

We just need those with good knowledge.... to stick around !!

 

https://www.antiquers.com/threads/j...nese-on-calling-all-translators-thread.71944/