A finely carved tianhuang 'bamboo' seal, Qing dynasty | 清　田黃隨形薄意竹石紋印

Tianhuang stone, sourced from the Shoushan region in Fujian Province, enjoys a revered status in Chinese history, frequently surpassing even the finest jade in value, particularly during the Qing dynasty. Celebrated for its rich, warm color palette ranging from golden yellow to reddish-brown, tianhuang is intrinsically linked with imperial majesty and sanctity, a significance rooted deeply in its nomenclature. The term "tianhuang" translates to "heavenly emperor," with "tian" representing heaven or heavenly, and "huang" denoting emperor—a term also synonymous with "yellow" in Chinese, the color of royalty and imperial power.

The mining and application of tianhuang stone can be traced back to early period, yet its importance was most pronounced within the Qing imperial court, where it was seen as a symbol of supreme authority and celestial favor. The geographical and etymological significance associated with its source further accentuates the stone's cultural and symbolic import; "shou" in Shoushan signifies "longevity," while "fu" in Fujian translates to "fortune," enhancing the stone’s auspicious attributes, promising longevity and prosperity, particularly to the emperor.

Unlike jade, which is often valued for its translucency and smooth finish, tianhuang is esteemed for its substantial density and weight—qualities that have historically dictated its value over mere size or form. Tianhuang has also been cherished within scholarly circles. The present seal carved from this esteemed material, inscribed with "xizhu jiaohua xingyouyu" , literally means 'washing the bamboo, watering the flowers, delight endures', draws from a poem by Tang dynasty poet Gu Kuang. This poem portrays the tranquil existence of an exiled official who finds joy in a reclusive life, linking the seal not only to imperial tradition but also to a deeper, philosophical reflection on solitude and contentment. This illustrious connection to literary heritage further amplifies the cultural resonance and esteemed status of tianhuang stone in the annals of Chinese artistry.

Compare a related tianhuang seal with motif of bamboo and plum blossom, in the Palace Museum, Taipei, accession no. zengyu 000290N, illustrated in A garland of Treasures: Masterpieces of Precious Crafts in the Museum Collection, Taipei, 2014, p. 138, no. II-46. See also a tianhuang seal with bamboo decorations, sold in these rooms, 7th October 2015, lot 3735; and another, sold in these rooms, 26th November 2024, lot 3909.

田黃產自福建省壽山地區，在中國歷史上享有崇高地位，其價值往往淩駕於最上乘的美玉之上，尤以清朝為甚。此石以醇厚溫潤的色澤著稱，金黃至紅褐的色調變化間盡顯皇家氣象，其名稱本身便蘊含著與皇權的深刻淵源一「田黃」二字，「田」喻天，「黃」既指帝王之色，亦為皇權象征，故有「石中帝王」之美譽。

田黃開采古已有之，然其鼎盛時期當屬清代，宮廷視此石為天授皇權的信物。原產地「壽山」之名更添祥瑞，「壽」喻長生，「福」建之地暗合洪福，使得田黃成為兼具地理靈性與文化意涵的珍寶。相較於玉石以通透細膩見長，田黃更以凝潤沈著的質地取勝，古人「一兩田黃三兩金」的諺語，道出其以質衡價的特質。

文人雅士對田黃亦推崇備至。如這方鐫刻「洗竹澆花興有余」的田黃印章，典出唐代詩人顧況詩句，描繪謫居文人蒔花弄竹的隱逸之樂。印文不僅承襲了皇室用印傳統，更將士人「窮則獨善其身」的哲學思考凝結於方寸之間，使田黃石既為權力象徵，亦成文心載體。此般融廟堂之高與江湖之遠於一體的雙重品格，正是田黃五百年間穩居文房至尊的奧秘所在。

參考台北故宮博物院藏一例，雕薄意竹梅雙清，館藏編號：贈玉000290N， 著錄於《集瓊藻 : 院藏珍玩精華展》， 台北，2014年，頁138，編號II-46。另見兩例釋於香港蘇富比，其一售於2015年8月7日，編號3735；另一​​售於2024年11月26日，編號3909。