Vintage Large Soapstone Vase Birds In Tree Peonies

Description

Hand carved soapstone vase with beautiful delicate design with birds in tree peonies. Because of the nature of the stone color, the flowers transform between brown to tea color in different area. A beautiful piece of work. One of the largest soapstone carving we ever come across with. The skillful art work done on this piece is amazing. There are a few of not quite visible old crack lines on the surface in some area, though not effecting the overall quality and craft work. Kindly check the pictures for the better understanding of the condition.

The oldest identifiable Chinese soapstone sculptures are dated to more than 3000 years ago. Soapstone has many different colors. It’s a soft high talc content stone and can easily be scratched with a knife blade. Soapstone varies in hardness from 1 – 5 on the Mohs scale. Therefor its a perfect stone for intricate carving.

During the Tang dynasty (618-907AD), there were many art works made of Shoushan stone. Soapstones from Fujian province were called Shoushan stone and are mined in the Shoushan village in northern Fujian. Known for its smooth texture, bright colours and fine grain.
By the time of the Song dynasty (960-1279) artists had made use of the moderate hardness of the stone with its colours and texture to bring in the multi-layer carving techniques.

Then from the Yuan dynasty (1271-1368) and the Ming dynasty (1368 -1644) scholars flourished and making seals became popular. using soapstone for seal carving becomes popular, while fruit, flowers and vegetables were also a major subject. The Ming dynasty (1368 – 1644) saw the height of soapstone production in China. Soapstone carving reached its peak during the Qing dynasty (1644 – 1911) with a huge variety of of objects from figurines, animals and seals.

One of a kind piece. Originally from China.

Dimensions: 6″ x 9″ x 14″

Vintage piece. Sell in used, pre-owned condition. Vintage and antique items by nature have variable amounts of wear, imperfections, signs of use, age and time. Perfectly imperfect. Condition shown as in pictures. Kindly contact us if you need more info. or detail pictures.