1980s Chinese Soapstone Tiger Scroll Weights - A Pair

Details

Description

An exceptional, beautifully matched pair of vintage hand-carved soapstone tiger figurines, functioning traditionally as Chinese scholar scroll weights. Sourced directly … Read more An exceptional, beautifully matched pair of vintage hand-carved soapstone tiger figurines, functioning traditionally as Chinese scholar scroll weights. Sourced directly from an estate collection acquired in China during the late 20th century, these heavy, dense stone sculptures were intentionally utilized to anchor fragile antique calligraphy and landscape scrolls safely in place.

Meticulously hand-carved from an organic, variegated reddish-brown soapstone with creamy alabaster-toned marbling, each fierce feline features a deeply incised textured spine pattern to represent tiger stripes. Their expressive, stylized roaring countenances are beautifully brought to life with inlaid white hardstone contrast eyes.

In East Asian culture, the tiger represents a powerful, benevolent guardian symbol of leadership and protection. Highly symmetrical and mirroring each other, this decorative duo delivers a wonderful touch of texture, history, and organic character to an eclectic mantel display, an office desk vignette, or stacked atop design books.

STYLING
An authentic, tactile addition perfectly scaled for Chinoiserie, Hollywood Regency, Postmodern, Boho Chic, and global modernist interiors.

CONDITION
Excellent vintage estate condition with exceptionally clean hand-carved detail. The variegated soapstone retains its smooth polished finish with no structural breaks or restorations. Inset eyes remain perfectly secure. Natural variations in color and faint tool marks are organic to the artisanal, handmade process. Unsigned.

DIMENSIONS
4" W × 2.5" D × 3" H (Dimensions are per individual tiger figurine) See less