A CARVED SOAPSTONE FIGURE OF SHOULAO, EARLIER 20TH CENTURY China, Qing dynasty to Republic, earlier 20th century. The translucent stone of a greyish celadon tone with amber and russet inclusions, carved with Shoulao seated and holding a plate with a peach, a pomegranate and a Buddha's hand citron, in the other hand a branch with lingzhi rising behind him. Condition: Glued to modern wood base, some wear, the natural fissures and inclusions may have developed into minor chips or cracks. Provenance: Italian private collection. Weight: 1,032 g. Dimensions: Height 16.8 cm