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Large Antique Chinese Carved Soapstone Triple Vase Dragon Phoenix Flaming Pearl
Add an impressive masterpiece of traditional Asian art to your collection with this large, antique hand-carved Chinese soapstone triple vase. Masterfully sculpted from a single piece of variegated \"chicken-blood\" red and multi-colored steatite stone, this substantial piece features an intricate openwork landscape. The design showcases the iconic imperial pairing: a powerful Celestial Dragon and a graceful Phoenix bird dynamically wrapping around the vessels as they chase the sacred flaming pearl of wisdom.
Featuring three hollowed-out chambers, this object functions brilliantly on a desk or mantle as a flower vase, calligraphy brush holder, or a standalone historical centerpiece.
- Material: Hand-Carved Variegated Soapstone / Steatite
- Design: Triple hollowed vessels / spill vase / brush pot
- Motif: Phoenix / long-tailed bird amidst pierced floral branches and rockwork
- Color: Mottled rust red, terracotta, beige, and natural dark stone inclusions
- Base: Integrated reticulated carved base
- Type: Multi-Vessel Figural Sculpture / Scholar\'s Desk Brush PotDesign Motif: Dragon (Yang) and Phoenix (Yin) pursuing the Flaming Pearl (Longfeng)
- Width: 10 Inches
- Height: 8 Inches
- Depth: 3 Inches
- Weight: 5 lbs 14 oz (Heavy, substantial solid stone)
- Estimated Age: Late Qing Dynasty to Early Republic Period (Circa 1890s–1930s)
Condition Evaluation:
Overall Condition: Very Good Antique Condition with a rich, authentic satiny patina.
Structural Integrity: Solid, heavy, and stands firmly on its integrated stone base. There are no major breaks or missing chunks.
Carving Details: The delicate openwork, pierced foliage, scales on the dragon, and flowing feathers of the phoenix remain highly detailed and wonderfully preserved.
Natural Characteristics: As is typical with genuine antique soapstone, there are minor age-related \"fleabites,\" light surface scuffs, and natural hairline fissures inherent to the soft talc stone composition.
Tooling Marks: Authentic manual workshop tooling marks, file marks, and raw stone variances are present on the reverse side and bottom surface. No electric-powered tools used which helps date the item.
Origin Information:
This antique piece was completely hand-carved by skilled stone artisans in the traditional carving workshops of China, most likely originating from the famed craft regions of Shoushan (Fujian Province) or Qingtian. Rather than being mass-produced by automated factory machinery, pieces from this era were laboriously shaped using manual drills, hand chisels, and hand-polishing techniques. The deep manual chamber drill marks and rough linear chisel scoring left on the base and reverse walls provide a authentic window into turn-of-the-century Chinese workshop production. Because these decorative functional wares were individually executed by local studio craftsmen for the high-end global export market, they remain highly unique collectibles with no two pieces ever being exactly identical.
No chips cracks gouges. Selling OBO. Please see our store for similar items. We combine shipping.- - -
This is what \'s AI had to say about this item. Please take it with a grain of salt:\"This large antique Chinese carved soapstone triple vase features intricate dragon, phoenix, and flaming pearl designs, showcasing the artistry and craftsmanship of China during the early 20th century. The brown soapstone material and antique originality add to its charm and historical significance, making it a unique and coveted piece for collectors of Asian antiques. Its intricate details and regional origin add to its value as a stunning decorative piece for any home.\"
Thank you and happy shopping!
09222026B
