Old Chinese Shoushan Stone Carving- Where The Scholar Go

Description

Origin: Jin’an District, Fuzhou, Fujian Province

Heritage: Intangible Cultural Heritage of China

Carved from smooth, delicate Shoushan stone, this relief captures a classic poetic scene: elders ascending a mountain trail to visit a scholar friend. When they ask a young boy for directions, he points up the path, answering that the master remains somewhere above, hidden deep within the gathering clouds.

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: 1.5″ x 3.25″ x 4.5″ (5.5″ with 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.