Chinese Shoushan Cream Soapstone Dragon Pearl Carving, Late 19th / Early 20th C.
£2,500.00
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A refined Chinese carved scholar's object in milky-white and cream Shoushan stone / cream soapstone, probably dating to the late 19th or early 20th century.
The composition shows one of the most powerful and auspicious images in Chinese art: dragons pursuing the sacred pearl among clouds. The upper part of the stone is carved in high relief with sinuous dragons, flowing bodies, expressive heads, claws, cloud scrolls and the central pearl. The dragon is associated with strength, protection, heavenly energy and good fortune, while the pearl represents wisdom, spiritual power and the fulfilment of wishes.
What makes this piece especially attractive is the way the craftsman used the natural colours of the stone. The lower section remains in a soft milky-white tone, while the warmer cream and honey-coloured areas are used for the dragons and upper relief. This gives the carving a natural pictorial depth, as if the dragons are emerging from the stone itself.
The reddish natural veins are also gracefully incorporated into the design. They enliven the pale surface and add movement without disturbing the harmony of the composition.
One side bears a fine vertical Chinese inscription. The characters were cut into the stone and originally filled with gold or gold-coloured pigment. Much of this gilding has naturally worn away over time, leaving traces in the engraved lines. The inscription appears to include two celebrated Tang poems: "Spring Dawn" by Meng Haoran and "Quiet Night Thoughts" by Li Bai, probably from the classical anthology Three Hundred Tang Poems. A partial signature of the carver or calligrapher is also visible, but it cannot be read with certainty.
The carving is presented on its original fitted wooden stand, made for this stone and included with it. The dark wood gives a strong and elegant contrast to the pale cream colour of the carving.
Condition:
Condition is good overall. The main carved decoration is well preserved, the relief remains clear, and the piece has a pleasing aged surface. The inscription shows expected wear from age. The wooden stand has natural age-related wear.
Dimensions:
Height of stone without stand: 10.3 cm
Width: 8 cm
Depth: 4 cm
Weight of stone without stand: 369 g
Please study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance.
Chinese Shoushan Cream Soapstone Dragon Pearl Carving, Late 19th / Early 20th C.
£2,500.00
The composition shows one of the most powerful and auspicious images in Chinese art: dragons pursuing the sacred pearl among clouds. The upper part of the stone is carved in high relief with sinuous dragons, flowing bodies, expressive heads, claws, cloud scrolls and the central pearl. The dragon is associated with strength, protection, heavenly energy and good fortune, while the pearl represents wisdom, spiritual power and the fulfilment of wishes.
What makes this piece especially attractive is the way the craftsman used the natural colours of the stone. The lower section remains in a soft milky-white tone, while the warmer cream and honey-coloured areas are used for the dragons and upper relief. This gives the carving a natural pictorial depth, as if the dragons are emerging from the stone itself.
The reddish natural veins are also gracefully incorporated into the design. They enliven the pale surface and add movement without disturbing the harmony of the composition.
One side bears a fine vertical Chinese inscription. The characters were cut into the stone and originally filled with gold or gold-coloured pigment. Much of this gilding has naturally worn away over time, leaving traces in the engraved lines. The inscription appears to include two celebrated Tang poems: "Spring Dawn" by Meng Haoran and "Quiet Night Thoughts" by Li Bai, probably from the classical anthology Three Hundred Tang Poems. A partial signature of the carver or calligrapher is also visible, but it cannot be read with certainty.
The carving is presented on its original fitted wooden stand, made for this stone and included with it. The dark wood gives a strong and elegant contrast to the pale cream colour of the carving.
Condition:
Condition is good overall. The main carved decoration is well preserved, the relief remains clear, and the piece has a pleasing aged surface. The inscription shows expected wear from age. The wooden stand has natural age-related wear.
Dimensions:
Height of stone without stand: 10.3 cm
Width: 8 cm
Depth: 4 cm
Weight of stone without stand: 369 g
Please study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance.