| Africa Green Soapstone Mother & Child 9" C548 |
| Africa-Kenya Black Soapstone Mother & Child 7" C199 |
| Japan Figural Foo lion Artist Signed 4" x 1 1/4" x 1 1/4" C1432 |
| Japan Figural Dragon Artist Signed 4" x 1 1/4" x 1 1/4" C1432 |
| Africa-Kenya Black Soapstone Mother & Child 9" C199 |
| Concern 6 1/2" C4902 |
| Soapstone is quarried in a small town called Tabaka near Kisii, Kenya. The natural stone is soft and varies in color from pure white, cream, and rose to a charcoal gray. The color of soapstone varies depending on the part of the world they are quarried from ”whether in India, the United States, Brazil, Chile, Malawi, Canada, and Zimbabwe. Soapstone is a metamorphic rock made of talc, dolomite, magnesite, and chlorite. Most soapstone rocks are composed of large amounts of talc which affect their color. The common soapstone colors are white, pale green, and gray |
| Chinese Bud Vase C5614 |
| Canoe Soapstone "Inuit ?" 6" C9401 |
Carved from one solid piece of gray and
brown soapstone, the item depicts three
incredibly detailed stallions. The item is in
mint condition, showing no cracks, chips or
repairs. Item measures approximately 9" in
length and stands 8" tall.
C5354
brown soapstone, the item depicts three
incredibly detailed stallions. The item is in
mint condition, showing no cracks, chips or
repairs. Item measures approximately 9" in
length and stands 8" tall.
C5354
Kenya Africa Box
3"x3" box inside and the way you open it is
simply by sliding the vertical piece up and
sliding the top portion off.
C1012
3"x3" box inside and the way you open it is
simply by sliding the vertical piece up and
sliding the top portion off.
C1012
Box
15" X 10" X10" high...Depth is 3.5 inches
lined with velvet
C9922
Bought as soapstone but it is only simulated.
Not velvet lined but also simulated paper.
15" X 10" X10" high...Depth is 3.5 inches
lined with velvet
C9922
Bought as soapstone but it is only simulated.
Not velvet lined but also simulated paper.
| Mystery Ball 4 Inch C3643 This unique soapstone chi ball is an ancient form of carving from China. Sometimes called puzzle balls or mystery balls, they have an intertwined dragon and phoenix carved outside and four layers inside - each layer inside is completely detached and moveable. The four layers signify the four directions or elements of earth. The dragon and phoenix represent our male/female energies showing our ability to master earthly events and situations Each ball made for export was carved from a single piece. The carver would turn the sphere on a lathe and then drill large, conical holes towards its core. This made room for a sharp, L-shaped tools of consecutive lengths to reach into the ball and cut layers of sections, ultimately carving out multiple inner balls. The carver would then utilize microtools in order to adorn the layers of the balls with exquisitely carved motifs. These multi-layered puzzle balls are considered one of the wonders of Chinese craftsmanship. |
| Soapstone Test Soapstone is a soft rock, also called steatite, that is very easy to carve. Jade on the other hand is generally very hard and difficult to carve. If you want to test your piece, turn it over and scratch on the bottom (where it won't be seen)with any sharp piece of steel, such as a knife blade or nail. It should scratch very easily. |