Ancient Chinese sculpture lard stone vase floral vintage Asian art decor

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This piece is an antique sculpture of Chinese origin, crafted from soapstone. The object features a shape freely inspired by nature, typical of traditional Asian craftsmanship. The visible side reveals a wide-mouthed vase, accompanied by finely carved floral decoration, with relief patterns of flowers and foliage rising on the front part of the composition.

The stone displays a nuanced palette of brownish-ochre tones, with natural veins and dark marbling that accentuate the unique character of each piece. The surface, polished in places, also retains a slightly irregular texture, particularly on the floral elements, testifying to the manual work and artisanal skill. The visible base is openwork, which gives the whole a visual lightness and recalls the traditional supports of Asian decorative objects.

The sculpture stands out for its balance between solid forms (the vase) and openwork elements (base and foliage), creating a play of light and shadow on the surface. The floral details, although stylized, are crafted with particular care, each petal and leaf standing out in relief on the stone. The whole presents a beautiful harmony between the raw material and the refinement of the carved motif.

The natural coloring of the stone, ranging from light brown to dark brown, offers a subtle contrast between the polished parts and the more matte areas. Some traces of wear and minor irregularities are visible, particularly on the edges and rims of the vase, which attests to the age of the piece and adds to its authenticity.

Condition

Used item, sold as is. Presence of slight signs of wear and small irregularities related to the age and artisanal nature of the sculpture. See photo for the precise appearance of the visible side.

Did you know? Soapstone has been frequently used in China for decorative sculptures since the Ming Dynasty. Its soft texture allows for remarkable detailed work, particularly appreciated for floral subjects and miniature vases.

AFW Reassurance

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Keywords: soapstone sculpture, antique Chinese vase, soapstone carving, vintage Asian art, oriental decoration, Chinese handcrafted object, carved floral motif, soapstone, Chinese soapstone vase, floral sculpture, natural stone decor, antique decorative sculpture