A Disordered Seal

A heavy carved carnelian intaglio seal lay capsized across an antique ledger, its polished oval face catching the early dimness at a discordant tilt. Rather than allowing the stone to press its sharp contour into the paper, I approached without haste across the leather blotter. Gathering the deep crimson drape of my sleeves, I positioned both hands beneath the cool gemstone mount. With calm and measured leverage, I righted the ornament until its flat brass base sat flush within a recessed ebony rest, completely undisturbed.