Vintage Soapstone Figure of an Immortal Beauty

Details

Description

Flying scarves on a lady indicates by tradition that she is a heavenly being, an immortal, or a fairy. By … Read more Flying scarves on a lady indicates by tradition that she is a heavenly being, an immortal, or a fairy. By her hairstyle and traditional clothing - flowing tunic, bellowing sleeves and twirling skirts, the lady could be an attendant to the Queen Mother of the West of Daoist folklores. She would be holding a basket of flowers, but the artist carver took liberty and gave her a basket turned upside down with flowers falling in the same sweeping motion as her sleeves. It is quite a dramatic pose. The stone itself is pure "white" and she stands on a light grey color base.

Date: post 1950.

The standing soapstone figure of a beautiful lady stands with her head looking downwards with downcast eyes on a square stand.. In her hands she holds a basket with layers of flowers. Her graceful figure is accentuated with flowing scarves and long billowing sleeves. The figure is carved in a three dimensional view, her back shows her long hair, flowing scarves and the swirling of her tunic and skirt. Her hair is arranged in a high chignon on top of her head, giving her a majestic appearance. Flying scarves on a lady indicates by tradition that she is a heavenly being, an immortal, or a fairy. By her hairstyle and traditional clothing - flowing tunic, bellowing sleeves and twirling skirts, the lady could be an attendant to the Queen Mother of the West of Daoist folklores. She would be holding a basket of flowers, but the artist carver took liberty and gave her a basket turned upside down with flowers falling in the same sweeping motion as her sleeves. It is quite a dramatic pose. The stone itself is pure "white" and she stands on a light grey color base. Beautiful figures with these accouterments are often described by the Chinese as an fairy or xian ren. My best interpretation is she symbolizes Lan Caihe one of the eight Daoist Immortals. The height is 9.5 inches (24 cm); the length and width are 2.5 inches (6.5 cm)

The estimate dating is the second half of the 20 century. It is in good condition except for small repairs to two of the feet of the stand. Please view the last image. The color is light than what is shown in the photos.

The provenance is unknown. It is purchased along with other soapstone carvings from a Midwestern collection. See less