Old Chinese Shoushan Stone Carving – Summer Retreat

Description

Origin: Jin’an District, Fuzhou, Fujian Province

Heritage: Intangible Cultural Heritage of China

Carved from supple, finely grained Shoushan stone, this relief captures a peaceful summer evening in rural life. Beneath the shade of a flourishing pine, friends and family gather in quiet conversation outside a traditional home. The artisan’s masterly hand shows in the contrasting textures: the gnarled, weathered bark of the pine trunk gives way to meticulously layered needles and delicate vines trailing along the doorway. Overhead, a crescent moon emerges from behind soft clouds, illuminating a moment of timeless warmth and harmony.

Originating in the rugged Beifeng mountains of Fuzhou, Shoushan stone carving began during the Southern Song Dynasty (1127–1279) following the discovery and quarrying of local stone. The craft reached its apex during the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368–1911), when these carvings served as royal court tributes and sought-after global trade items.

Synthesizing the brushwork of traditional Chinese painting with diverse folk sculpting methods, carvers execute techniques ranging from high-relief circular carving to micro-miniature sculpting and seal engraving. Today, masterworks of this heritage craft feature in premier museum collections worldwide.

One of a kind.

Dimensions: 3.5″ x 8.5″ x 7.25″ (Stone) &  5.5″x 10″ x 2.25″ (Stand)

Old 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.