J.J. Lally & Co., Oriental Art / New York City, New York

42.
A BRONZE DAOIST TEMPLE SEAL

Qianlong Period, dated by inscription 1742

the face of the seal cast with four ‘nine fold script’ characters which may be read as: 火帝金章, Huodi jinzhang, which may be translated as “Golden Seal of the Fire God”, referring to the Daoist deity Huaguang Dadi  華光大帝 (God of Magnificent Light).

The inscriptions in kaishu on the top of the seal include the names of ten donors and a dedication beginning with the cyclical date Qianlong renxu, corresponding to A.D. 1742, which may be read as:

乾隆壬戌之秋　古廟修建工成告竣用等值事處造金章敬献華光大帝寶殿永鎮康寧

which may be translated as:

“Qianlong renxu [year] autumn, at the completion of the renovation of the ancient temple, [we] commission this metal seal from the Office of Clerical Affairs and present it respectfully to the Hall of  the God of Magnificent Light, asking [Huo-di] to forever guard peace and prosperity for all.”

The inscriptions on the narrow sides of the seal may be read as:

風調雨順 (fair weather and rain in every season)
國泰民安 (peace and prosperity for the country and the people)

The inscription at the top of the handle may be read as:

金章會 (Metal Seal Association)

Height 4 inches (10.2 cm)
Base 4 x 4 ¹⁄₄ inches (10.2 x 10.5 cm)

清    乾隆壬戌 《火帝金章》銅道觀印    高 10.2 厘米    印寬 10.2 x 10.5 厘米

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