Set of Two Republic of China ROC "Plum Blossom Society" Seal Stamp Memorabilia

This item is sold as an interesting piece of history associated with the 20th century exodus of the Republic of China (ROC) from the mainland; as a set of the organisational seal and what is likely a high ranking member’s seal of what purports to be the “Plum Blossom Society”. 

With an inscription stating the smaller seal to be the “Alliance of 17 Associated Societies” (十七同盟協會) and a member's number and alias (AK 13579 黄金貴), research indicates that this stone seal stamp is related to the Plum Blossom Society, a shadowy, quasi-mythological organisation that possibly existed during the Chinese Republic Period circa 1928 to 1949.

The larger stamp bears an inscription stating this to be the “Xibei Plum Blossom Society’s Authorisation for Fund Reallocation” (梅協西北佛令動款), related to the Plum Blossom Society (梅花会). This would have been intended to be a symbol of authority.

Little substantiated fact can be found about this organisation, other than that its predecessor was the rebel societies formed during the Qing period. It was possibly affiliated with the ROC when they were still present in Xibei (Northeastern China) during the Republic Period.

In recent years rumours of a vast treasure buried by the ROC, a la Indiana Jones, when they fled the mainland has spurred the formation of new so called Plum Blossom Societies, many of which are in Taiwan, in search of this lost wealth.

Is this a harbinger of long forgotten treasure, or simply a fascinating piece of ROC memorabilia? We’ll leave that for you to decide- either way, it’s one of the best stories we’ve come across recently.

Price marked at AUD$750 for the set of 2.

Measurements: 7.5cm height, 5.5cm dia.
Condition: Good vintage condition with a beautifully developed patina. Some wear overall commensurate with age.