Bidspirit auction | Large Chinese Carved Soapstone Foo

Large Chinese Carved Soapstone Foo Dog Incense Vessel and Wood Stand - A large and elaborately hand-carved Chinese soapstone sculpture of a light tan color, often referred to as frozen mutton fat. The primary composition features two large high-relief lion dogs, also known as foo dogs or shishi, positioned at the top flanking a central jar-shaped vessel with a reticulated lattice pattern. The body of the sculpture is executed in deep openwork, containing multiple smaller figures of lion dogs interspersed with circular motifs resembling cash coins or pierced balls. The reverse side of the stone is largely unworked and smooth, featuring two oval apertures that provide a view of the intricate interior carving. The sculpture is seated on a custom-fitted dark-stained wooden base carved in an organic scholars rock or root wood style with numerous naturalistic apertures. The underside of the stone carving is flat and unmarked. Width: 12 inches Height: 8.5 inches (including stand).