Grapevine and Grapes Sculpture by Pierre de Lard Ancienne, 19th-Century

Description

Very beautiful oriental work in "lard stone". The finely carved base is in brown stone.

This sculpture represents a vine … more Very beautiful oriental work in "lard stone". The finely carved base is in brown stone.

This sculpture represents a vine with leaves and bunches of generous and abundant grapes. 
Grapes were consumed only by the royal family in China, which is why they are now a symbol of wealth and luxury. 
Grapes grow in bunches and represent family unity and harmony.

Period : End of 19th century - Qing Dynasty.
Dimensions : Height : 18,5cm x Length : 27,5cm x Depth : 9cm
Dimensions of the base : Length : 30cm
Signature under the base

The "Lardstone" is a steatite (alumina silicate, iron hydrate and magnesia), pale white-green color with gray and orange mottling. 

It is a kind of very soft jade, allowing a really easy cutting, traditionally used in the Far East for the making of small objects, statuettes, dog of Fô, pagodas, magots, sculpted and polished seals.

Composed essentially of magnesium silicate, it is also the main source of talc. This powder is easily spread by simple rubbing.

The name "lardstone" used by some authors does not really seem to correspond to steatite, which they describe as a rock "of greasy aspect". 

But it is possible that the particular touch (a little soapy) of this mineral has produced this name and this description.

It was widely imported into Europe in the 18th century. less