20c Chinese Soapstone Foo Dog Carving

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Presenting a lovely 20C Chinese soapstone foo dog carving.

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

This … Read more Presenting a lovely 20C Chinese soapstone foo dog carving.

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

This is a small green and brown soapstone carving in relief with central reticulated vase/urn and flanked by a pair of classic Foo Dogs with floral scrolling motifs.

Heart shaped indents on the base.

In very good original condition with no chips cracks or losses.

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. See less