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A Soapstone Mountain with Daoist Deities – Qing browse these categories for related items... All Items: Antiques:Regional Art:Asian:Chinese: Pre 1900: item # 416323 Please refer to our stock # Ichi 1563 when inquiring.
Ichiban Japanese & Oriental Antiques Post Office Box 395 Marion, CT 06444-0395 203.272.7392 Guest Book $695.00 |
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| A very finely carved Chinese Shoushan soapstone carving of a mountainous scene depicting the 8 immortals of Daoism. (One of the deities is missing - the immortal who holds a floral basket would have originally been sitting to the left of the immortal with a sword - apparently chipped off in an early accident. We did not even see this at first as the break blends in perfectly with the rest of the design). The mountain carving then was glued to a darker stone base in the shape of a rocky ledge and the entire piece then fitted to a wooden stand – probably the stand is a modern addition for additional stability. The yellow stone mountain measures 6" high by 4 3/4" wide at its widest by 1 3/4" thick at its thickest. The darker stone rocky ledge is 1 1/4" high by 3 1/2" wide by 2 1/4" deep. The wooden stand is 1 1/2" high by 4 3/8" wide by 4 1/8" deep. Excellent condition with the exception of the missing deity - otherwise no chips or restorations. We date this piece to the late 18th to early 19th century based on the superb carving exhibited throughout. The eight immortals are the famous immortals in Taoism which most Chinese people worship. In Taoist mythology they important figures are symbols of good luck. They are not gods, but are said to have achieved immortality through the practice of Tao.They set an example of ideal behavior so that ordinary people can achieve enlightenment or immortality. The eight Daoist immortals are He Xiangu, Cao Guojiu, Li Tieguai, Lan Caihe, Lu Dongbin, Han Xiang Zi, Zhang Guo Lao, Zhongli Quan Soapstone or steatite is a natural, soft stone. Its high talc content contributes to its softness and makes it easy to carve – however, that same quality makes it easy to slip and ruin a piece during its carving process.. There are many varieties of soapstone in a wide range of colors. One of the major areas from which Chinese soapstone is obtained is the region around Shoushan in Fujian province. One of the most famous of the stones mined in this area is tianhuang, a rich yellow soapstone much sought after for seals. | |||||||||||||||
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