The oldest identifiable Chinese soapstone sculptures are dated to more than 3000 years ago. The Ming and Quing dynasties saw the height of soapstone production in China. Soapstone was not only used for art it was also used to make dishes, utensils, plates, teapots, boxes, and for worship.
It's possible that this Quing dynasty (1644-1911) soapstone sculpture came from the Fujian province near the Shoushan village in northern Fujian. Shoushan village is located near the Shoushan Mountain where stone is mined from. Shoushan stone production reached its peak during the Quing Dynasty.
This hand-carved soapstone sculpture is of the Chinese Daoist "God of Wealth". He is an elderly Immortal wearing a stately cap, has a long beard representing a long life, and drooping eyebrows. He is a wearing flowing robes with a magnificent jade belt. He is holding a scepter in his left hand. There are symbols of wealth and prosperity. For example, there are gold ingots above his head with several coins coming down the right side of the deity. There is a piece of the gold ingots facing front that is missing. Behind the God of Wealth's head appears to be a large lion or foo dog head facing sideways.
He is sitting on a decorated pedestal. His right hand rests on his right knee. Underneath the pedestal is a magnificent tortoise and snake, representing longevity and prosperity. A mythical creature with a spiny back is beneath his right foot. A small decorative object near the creature is missing. There is a crack above the tortoise left side that blends very well into the sculpture.
This magnificent soapstone sculpture becomes more transparent depending on the lighting source near the sculpture. The natural colors of the soapstone are brown, beige, and orange blended with transparency.
The back of the sculpture has a symbolic design at the top. Underneath there appears to be a large lotus flower, symbolic circles, and the backside of the snake.
There are couple very small areas where the soapstone is sharp, due to its overall age. However, it doesn't diminish the significance and beauty of this antique soapstone sculpture.
The soapstone sculpture approximate dimensions and other features are as follows:
Material: Soapstone
Height: 5 1/2 Inches
Width: 2 Inces
Depth: 1 1/4 inches
Ounces Weight: 12.540 ounces
Grams Weight: 355.5 grams
Age: Quing Dynasty (1644-1911)
The God of Wealth is found in most Asian homes to help ensure a family's wealth and prosperity.
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