A Soapstone Carving of a Sage in a Temple
September 2013 Auction by Far East Asian Art

An interesting nicely carved soapstone piece dating from the mid to later 20th century, circa 1940-1980s. The carving is of an old sage or lohan seated inside of a rectangular high enclosure. The enclosure is reticulated on the front and back in a lattice work design. It is hard to imagine how the carver managed to carve away all of the inside except the old man - then provide such good details to the old man's face.

The piece measures 3 1/4" high by 2 1/2" wide by 1 1/4" thick...