Lapis Lazuli Luohan Mountain Carving with Hardwood Stand, Qing Style
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Collection
Jade & Hardstone
Period
Qing Style
Overview
A finely carved lapis lazuli mountain-form composition featuring a seated luohan in a rocky landscape, notable for its vivid ultramarine stone, sculptural depth, and strong scholar’s-object presence.
Description
This substantial lapis lazuli carving is conceived as a miniature mountain landscape centered on a seated luohan set within a rocky grotto-like setting. The composition is animated by craggy peaks, pierced rockwork, and pine-like branches, creating a layered sculptural scene in which figure and landscape are closely integrated. The intense blue of the stone gives the work immediate visual power, while natural lighter inclusions and mineral variation enliven the surface and deepen its pictorial effect.
Particularly appealing is the relationship between the luohan and the surrounding mountain imagery. The figure sits prominently in the foreground, rendered with a calm yet forceful presence, while the rocky backdrop rises behind in dramatic vertical formations. Openwork passages and recessed spaces introduce a sense of movement and depth, allowing the carving to be appreciated not only frontally but also as a fully sculptural object. The smaller attendant details, including the table-like form and naturalistic rocky elements, enrich the narrative and reinforce the contemplative, scholar’s-studio character of the piece.
Objects of this kind are especially admired for the way precious hardstone is transformed into a complete world in miniature. Here, the saturated lapis surface, the interplay of polished planes and carved detail, and the union of religious imagery with mountain form combine to create an object of both cabinet elegance and spiritual resonance. The fitted hardwood stand further enhances the presentation, grounding the composition and emphasizing its importance as a display object.
Details
Object Type: Mountain Carving / Scholar’s Object / Figural Hardstone Carving
Material: Lapis lazuli
Subject: Luohan in a rocky mountain setting
Stand: Fitted hardwood stand
Height: 23 cm
Width: 14 cm
Weight: 2489 g
Origin: China
Condition
Overall in good presentation condition, with natural mineral inclusions, tonal variation, and age-related characteristics consistent with lapis lazuli and carved hardstone works of this type. Minor surface wear and natural irregularities are in keeping with the material and fitted stand.
Authenticity & Attribution Note
This piece is offered as a work in Qing style. The attribution is based on material, subject matter, carving manner, and comparative visual judgment, and should be understood as stylistic rather than as an absolute guarantee of dynastic period.