Octopus Shou Shan Stone Chop Seal

This large, old chop seal stamp is beautifully carving into the form of an octopus.  It is carved in fine Shou Shan stone with an especially smooth surface.  Chop seals of this artistry were used by ancient Chinese scholars and officials and were symbols of wealth and status.  The bottom of this piece bears the unique stamp of the original owner.  Chop stamps of this size and quality are quite rare.  It is 4 3/4" tall, almost 2 1/2" wide, and almost 2 1/2" deep.  This piece is dated to the mid to late 1800s.