Chinese soapstone carvings

Soapstone is a soft rock, that has been carved by the Chinese for centuries, and is still being carved today. The name derives from the soap-like feel that some of the softer grades of soapstone have.

The softness of the rock is due to talc in its composition, and the amount of talc can vary from 80% (very soft) to about 30%. On the Mohs scale of hardness, soapstone has a hardness of 1 to 5, whereas jade has a hardness of 6 to 6.5. It is often possible to scratch a piece of soapstone with a fingernail or knife blade.

Because of continuing production over several centuries, it can be difficult to date soapstone carvings, and there are many that were made for the tourist market.

Soapstone carvings are generally not expensive and the quality of the carving and the size and colouring of the soapstone contribute more...

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A Chinese red brown soapstone seal, a lion clambering up a…

Lion Soapstone Seal on Rocky Landscape

A Chinese red brown soapstone seal, a lion clambering up a rocky landscape atop a square plinth. Height 8 cm. Width 4 cm. Depth 4 cm

A Chinese yellow soapstone seal, a seated lion atop a pedestal…

Yellow Soapstone Lion Seal on Pedestal Base

A Chinese yellow soapstone seal, a seated lion atop a pedestal base incised with foliate designs. Height 9.5 cm. Width 5 cm. Depth 5 cm

Large soapstone carving of Buddha and attendant

Buddha and Attendant Soapstone Carving

Large soapstone carving of Buddha and attendant

Carved Chinese soapstone Buddah

Chinese Soapstone Buddha Carving

Carved Chinese soapstone Buddah

A Chinese soapstone carving, first half 20th century, the…

Chinese Soapstone Mountain Carving with Figures

A Chinese soapstone carving, first half 20th century, the mottled orange and grey-brown stone carved and pierced as a mountain side with two figures, fitted on the original separate rockwork base, both pieces with the same incised character marks…

A Chinese soapstone carving, first half 20th century, the…

Chinese Soapstone Carving with Shou-Lao and Deer

A Chinese soapstone carving, first half 20th century, the mottled orange and grey-brown stone carved and pierced as a mountain side with Shou-Lao and his deer, fitted on the original separate rockwork base, both pieces with the same incised character…

Pair of Chinese soapstone bookends

Chinese Soapstone Bookends

Pair of Chinese soapstone bookends