Set of 3 Small Chinese Carved Soapstone Sculptures

Description

Presenting a lovely set of 3 small Chinese carved soapstone sculptures.

Made in China in the early 20th Century circa … more Presenting a lovely set of 3 small Chinese carved soapstone sculptures.

Made in China in the early 20th Century circa 1930.

This set comprises of:

1. A Medium/Tall mottled brown double vase floral carving,

2. A medium/tall mottled green soapstone carving of a duck, with removeable top creating a salt holder. , and

3. a Small double vase mottled brown, red and tan carving.

Carved in relief.

All in very good original condition. The medium double vase has one chip to one of the flowers.

Dimensions: Medium Double Vase Sculpture: 4.5 inches tall, 5.5 inches wide and 2 inches deep.

Duck Salt: 5.5 inches tall, 4.75 inches wide and 2.5 inches deep.

Small Double Vase: 2.25 inches tall, 4.5 inches wide and 1.5 inches deep.

Soapstone (also known as steatite or soaprock) is a talc–schist, which is a type of metamorphic rock. It is composed largely of the magnesium rich mineral talc. It is produced by dynamothermal metamorphism and metasomatism, which occur in the zones where tectonic plates are subducted, changing rocks by heat and pressure, with influx of fluids, but without melting. It has been a medium for carving for thousands of years.

During the Spring and Autumn Period (771–476 BC), soapstone was carved into ceremonial knives. Soapstone was also used to carve Chinese seals. less