Soapstone: Vintage Carving of Three Vases with ChrysanthemumsWhen the stone carver picked up a large piece of soapstone, what was in his mind? Did he plan a traditional design or did he study the stone and the variations of colors and then decide the design that will best show the variations of colors within the stone. I would say the carver was successful. Soapstone is a soft stone and easy to carve. By the early part of the 20 century, the carvers were using simple mechanic tools that allowed them to drill

Just to give a brief history

also known as the Flying General

paws and tails were in gilt

a Daoist Immortal who has a three legged toad

tables and chairs

The base is flat showing the swirls of the glass

The glass bottle in a flatten rectangular shape is of a high quality glass

The snuff bottle here is a flattened form that can be found in snuff bottles of the 19th century

I cannot help but continue to practice what I was taught in Art History

amber green and straw colors

The artist is well versed in the bird and flower painting traditions and he placed a bird in a peony plant grown among rocks

easily recognized by its popular appeal to the masses