Tang Dynasty, 618-906 AD. A mottled agate stamp seal, octagonal in plan with high-relief eagle in flight holding lingzhi fungi in the beak; to the underside, the four-character seal of Emperor Taizong bearing his personal name 'Li Shimin'. 123 grams, 50mm (2"). Property of a Middlesex lady. Taizong was the second Emperor of the Tang Dynasty, ruling from 626 to 649 AD. His reign was characterised by reform and the adoption of logical rather than superstitious reasoning. Dr Bonewitz notes: 'The seal is partially encrusted with very hard caliche (or calcrete) which takes a long period to develop, possibly over many centuries.'