Figure Of Wen-Chang Or K'uei (God Of Literature)
Object NameFigure
Mediumsoapstone
ClassificationsApplied Art
DimensionsOverall: Height: 22.8 cm, Width: 9.1 cm, Diameter: 4 cm
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDMS024838
About MeThis figure depicts Wen-Chang or K'uei who is the God of Literature. He is holding a book in his hand.
Hardstone carving is a form of decorative art that has been a part of Chinese culture for over 3,000 years. This is largely due to many of the precious and semi-precious stones used, such as jade, turquoise, malachite, quartz and agate, occurring naturally in certain territories of China.
These different types of stones feature a wide variety of properties that Chinese artists were able to exploit, incorporating the natural coloration and textural qualities of the stones into their designs. Soapstone is composed primarily of talc and is a soft rock with an oily texture hence the name. Soapstone comes in various colours including white, brown, pink, green and yellow. Soapstone is easy to carve making it popular with Chinese carvers since ancient times.
Qing Dynasty, possibly 19th century
Qing Dynasty, possibly 19th century
Qing Dynasty, possibly 19th century
Possibly 19th century
Qing Dynasty, possibly 19th century
Qing Dynasty, possibly 19th century
Qing Dynasty, 19th century
James Cromar Watt
Qing Dynasty, 18th - 19th century
Qing Dynasty, possibly 19th century
James Cromar Watt
Ming Dynasty, 1522 - 1619
James Cromar Watt
Qing Dynasty, Daoguang Period (early 19th Century)
James Cromar Watt
Qing Dynasty Qianlong/Jiaqing Period, 1736 - 1820
