General Auction including Antiques & Collectables, Gold & Silver (14% Buyers Commission)
This carved soapstone figure depicts Shoulao, the Chinese God of Longevity. The piece is carved from a variegated soapstone (steatite) that exhibits a range of colours from deep, earthy reddish-brown at the base to a translucent honey-yellow at the head, with opaque cream-coloured inclusions typical of the material. Shoulao is shown in a characteristic seated pose, identifiable by his high, domed cranium, long flowing beard, and jovial expression. He holds a gnarled staff in his right hand and a large longevity peach in his left. The robes and beard are detailed with fine incised lines. The reverse of the figure features two vertical columns of incised Chinese characters in a cursive script, within which the characters for longevity (長壽 – Changshou) are distinguishable. The flat base is deeply carved with a four-character seal in seal script (zhuanshu), which is heavily inlaid with dried red pigment. The seal characters also include the term for longevity (長壽). This item is consistent with Chinese folk-style carvings from the late 19th or early 20th century.
Condition report:
The figure exhibits a significant loss to the top section of the staff held in the right hand. The surface shows age-related wear throughout, including various small nicks, scratches, and minor abrasions. The red pigment on the base seal is heavily cracked and worn.
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