Vintage Chinese Soapstone Statue – Heavenly Lady with Lotus (He Xiangu)

Craftsmanship in detail

The power of this sculpture lies in the details that only become visible upon close study. Our macro shots show the authentic traces of the craft: the razor-fine cutting lines and subtle chisel marks of the artist who manually freed this piece from the stone. Unlike machine-produced replicas, this sculpture tells a story of patience and precision. The soft, waxy sheen of the polished stone emphasizes the natural quality of the soapstone.

Material and Texture

The soapstone (steatite) used displays a brilliant palette of natural colors. The lady's flowing, celadon-green robes transition into a robust, earthy base with rust-brown oxidation inclusions, confirming the authenticity of the natural material. Small imperfections and variations in the stone structure make this a unique "one-of-a-kind" specimen.

The symbolism of the Lotus

The depicted figure is He Xiangu, the only female immortal in the Taoist tradition. The lotus she carries symbolizes transformation and spiritual awakening: the flower that blooms immaculately above the murky water. Her calm countenance and the dynamic lines of her robe radiate a timeless serenity.

Specifications

• Object type: Hand-carved stone sculpture on integrated base
• Depiction: He Xiangu (Immortal with lotus)
• Material: Solid, hand-carved soapstone
• Dating: Vintage (mid-20th century)
• Dimensions: 25.5 cm (height) x 10.5 cm (width)
• Weight: 1.2 kg
• Authenticity: Visible manual tool marks and natural mineral inclusions

Value & Intention

• Estimated Gallery Value: € 150 to € 195
• Intention Category: IX. Transformation (Spiritual Growth)
• Symbolicity: The lotus reminds us of the power of inner growth and overcoming obstacles on the path of life

Each object is examined before it is offered: material, casting or carving technique, surface, and signs of age are compared with documented references. You will receive a certificate of authenticity and an official invoice detailing the period, material, and available provenance.

How we verify authenticity

Fully insured worldwide shipping in museum-quality packaging. Returns are sent to our Dutch address and you have a 14-day cooling-off period.

Read the shipping policy and the refund policy.

Pay securely at checkout with credit card, Klarna, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. The certificate of authenticity and the invoice are included in the price.