Gillers Antiques Ltd has dated this Chinese Shoushan Stone Carving to the 19th Century.
The upper part of the stone is carved in high relief with sinuous dragons, expressive heads, scrolling bodies, claws, cloud forms and the central pearl. In Chinese symbolism, the dragon is associated with power, protection, vitality and heavenly authority, while the pearl represents wisdom, spiritual force and the fulfilment of wishes.
The carving is particularly successful because the craftsman has used the natural colour transition of the stone as an essential part of the design. The lower body remains in a calm milky-white tone, while the warmer cream and honey-coloured areas are used for the dragons and upper relief. This creates a natural pictorial effect, as though the dragons are emerging from the stone itself.
The reddish natural veins are also beautifully incorporated into the composition. Rather than appearing as flaws, they enliven the surface and pass through the stone like natural veins, adding movement and depth to the pale body.
One side bears a finely incised vertical Chinese inscription. The characters were originally filled with gold or a gold-coloured pigment. Over time, most of this gilding has worn away, leaving only small traces within the cut lines. The inscription appears to include two celebrated Tang poems: “Spring Dawn” by Meng Haoran and “Quiet Night Thoughts” by Li Bai, probably from the classical anthology Three Hundred Tang Poems. Because of the wear to the gilding and the fineness of the incision, a complete reading cannot be stated with absolute certainty. A partial signature of the carver or calligrapher is also visible, but it cannot be read securely.
The lower section is carved with flowing cloud scrolls and stylised forms, creating a calm transition toward the dynamic dragon scene above. The stone has a soft, waxy polish typical of this material, and the overall handling shows a confident understanding of volume, rhythm and natural colour.
The carving is presented on its original fitted wooden stand, made specifically for this stone and included with the piece. The dark tone of the stand gives an elegant contrast to the pale cream body of the carving.
Condition:
Condition is good overall. The principal carved details are well preserved, the relief remains clearly legible, and there are no obvious major losses to the main body. The inscription is worn, as expected from age and the loss of the original gilding. The wooden stand shows natural signs of age and use.
Dimensions:
Height of stone without stand: 10.3 cm
Width: 8 cm
Depth: 4 cm
Weight of stone without stand: 369 g
Please study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance. It is important to note that shipping costs include labour, packaging and postage.
Gillers Antiques Ltd has dated this Chinese Shoushan Stone Carving to the 19th Century.
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Chinese Shoushan Stone Dragon & Pearl Scholar’s Carving, Late 19th / Early 20th C.
