Monumental 31" Chinese Hand-Carved Soapstone "Basket of Abundance" Sculpture

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Description

Monumental 31" Chinese Hand-Carved Soapstone "Basket of Abundance" Sculpture

Elevate your interior with a towering masterpiece of mid-century Asian lapidary … Read more Monumental 31" Chinese Hand-Carved Soapstone "Basket of Abundance" Sculpture

Elevate your interior with a towering masterpiece of mid-century Asian lapidary art. Standing at a rare and commanding 31 inches tall, this monumental soapstone sculpture is a tour de force of traditional Chinese craftsmanship. Masterfully hand-carved from a substantial boulder of variegated stone, the "Basket of Abundance" features an intricate, high-arched handle and a dense, multi-layered botanical arrangement.

The artisan utilized the natural color bands within the stone—a technique known as "smart carving"—to breathe life into a vibrant garden of pink peonies, creamy white chrysanthemums, and honey-yellow roses. The composition is rich with traditional auspicious symbolism: clusters of grapes, pomegranates, and lychee fruit signify fertility and prosperity, while the central lotus pods represent purity and peace. This sculpture is composed of two primary sections: a golden-hued woven basket nesting into an intricately pierced, oxblood-toned stone base carved in a "root wood" motif. Its massive scale and high-relief undercutting make it a premier statement piece for a grand foyer, a formal library, or a museum-quality collection.

Artisan & Cultural Significance
The Symbolism: Known as a Penti, this "floral arrangement in a basket" is a traditional gift intended to bring eternal spring and constant wealth to a home.

The Medium: Variegated soapstone (steatite) was chosen for its ability to hold incredible detail and its soft, waxy luster that mimics the look of mutton-fat jade.

Architectural Scale: At 31" high, this is an "investment-grade" carving. Most vintage soapstone pieces are small shelf accents; this is a centerpiece designed to ground a large space.

Dimensions
Height: 31 in
Width: 18 in
Depth: 12 in

Condition
Good Vintage Condition – A remarkable structural survivor. In a medium as fragile as soapstone, finding an arched handle of this height without breaks is nearly unheard of. The primary floral mass and handle are impressively intact. Consistent with its age and monumental scale, there are minor "flea-bite" nicks on some leaf edges and natural surface crazing/finish loss on the base. Historic adhesive residue is present on the underside of the base from previous museum/gallery labeling. It is a soulful, well-preserved artifact with genuine character.

A masterclass in narrative stone carving, this Chinese Basket of Abundance bridges the gap between ancient Eastern mythology and high-end Western design. It is a rare opportunity to acquire a well-preserved work of significant scale that will continue to appreciate in beauty and value for generations. See less