Chinese Soapstone Box and Cover with Mother of Pearl Inlay, C20th

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Location: United Kingdom
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Auction Start: 24/06/25 21:00:00 UTC
Auction Ending: 10/07/25 19:40:00 UTC
Time Remaining: 12d 23h 37m
LOT NUMBER 21
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LOT NUMBER 21

Chinese Soapstone Box and Cover with Mother of Pearl Inlay, C20th

A soapstone box and cover of rectangular form with a flush fitting lid, the lid and sides with decoration in fine quality mother of pearl inlay, the goddess Guanyin astride a cloud and holding a fish basket, dragons and peach, all auspicious symbols : compassion, prosperity/good luck and immortality respectively. The base has a series of bracket feet, lightly curved and an inset panel with a carved mark. Soapstone was first used by the Chinese over three thousand years ago but began its popularity in the Ming dynasty (1368 -1644) with the height of production during the ensuing Qing dynasty (1644 – 1911) and then beyond into the twentieth century when it was often employed for desk ornaments as can be seen from other lots in this auction. The stone used here is fine quality with considerable variation in the surface finish which suggests that it may be Shoushan soapstone, well known for these attributes. The base and interior seem to have been darkened with a coloured wash, presumably to enhance the decorative effect. The style of work suggests a twentieth century dating, probably to around the 1950s. While not necessarily intended as such, this box could prove to be a useful desk top accessory for the storage of stray objects!
Size: 9cm x 6cm x 4.5cm
Weight: 425gm
Date: Mid C20th
Condition: Good condition, no issues
Estimate: £40 – 60

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