Four Chinese Shoushan Stone Jar Seals, Engraved│A Treasure in Hand, Full of Charm, Translucent and Moist

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52891559078_73fe7d1a44_z.jpg ◤ About Shoushan Stone: In the mountainous regions near Fuzhou in Fujian Province lies a village named Shoushan. The Shoushan stone deposits are found scattered among the surrounding mountains and wild streams of Shoushan Village. Shoushan stone, scientifically known as pyrophyllite or臘石 (là shí), is characterized by its moist texture and rich colors. It is one of the earliest discovered pyrophyllite deposits in China and a preferred variety for colored stone carving. Recent advancements in mining and analysis techniques have revealed that the mineral composition of Shoushan stone is not limited to pyrophyllite but also includes quartz, kaolinite, and diaspore. The stone's color, hardness, and clarity are directly related to its mineral composition, explaining the wide and varied palette of Shoushan stone. ◤ Characteristics of Shoushan Stone: It is said that during the Ming and Qing dynasties, the four most renowned seal stones in China were Shoushan stone, Qingtian stone, Changhua stone, and Balin stone. Stones suitable for seal carving generally have a hardness of 2-3 on the Mohs scale. Shoushan stone, with its fine texture and moderate hardness, is easy to carve, making it highly appreciated by calligraphers and seal engravers. From the late Qing Dynasty to the early Republican era, China experienced foreign invasions, the Chinese Civil War, and the subsequent relocation of the Nationalist government to Taiwan. As time passed and life in Taiwan gradually stabilized and prospered, people began to yearn for early Chinese cultural relics and artifacts. Seal engraving was one such area of interest. As the number of people who appreciated these seal stones grew, knowledgeable individuals would travel to China to purchase raw stones and bring them back for Taiwanese enthusiasts to collect. The "Four Famous Stones" possess natural, exquisite colors and a fine, moist, gentle touch, prompting people to eagerly collect them, sparking a trend. During Taiwan's golden age after the reform and opening-up in 1976, China extensively mined raw materials for seal stones, with the majority being sold to Taiwan. However, natural resources are finite. To this day, the sources of raw stones have become increasingly depleted, and the most refined portions mined at that time were largely sold to Taiwan. In other words, Taiwan holds the most exquisite seal stone artworks, making them exceptionally precious. ◤ Material: Shoushan Stone ◤ Jar Dimensions: Base diameter approx. 6 cm; Height approx. 5 cm ◤ Square Seal Dimensions: 1.1 x 1.1 x 3.5 cm (Height) ◤ Rectangular Seal Dimensions: 0.8 x 1.5 x 3.5 cm (Height) ◤ Weight: Approx. 351 g ◤ Origin: Fuzhou, China ◤ Price: $2,800 / set ◤ Quantity: This is a unique piece, a set of Shoushan stone jar seals with approximately thirty-five years of history, worthy of collection by scholars and literati. ◤ Care Instructions: 1. Maintain moisture. Shoushan stone is highly susceptible to dryness and high temperatures. Both raw stones and carved pieces should avoid direct sunlight and high-temperature environments. 2. If the surface of Shoushan stone is contaminated with dust or dirt, gently wipe it with a soft silk cloth to restore its luster. 3. Shoushan stone has a relatively low hardness, around 2-2.5 on the Mohs scale. Do not scrape it with metal or other hard objects. ※ Items over ten years old are considered new and unused. As older items have been in storage for some time, they may show traces of age. Buyers who are extremely particular about perfect product quality are advised to visit our store in person for selection. Thank you. ※ If you are interested, please inquire about availability first. Do not place an order directly. Thank you. ※ Props and accessories shown in the pictures are not included with this product. ※ There may be slight color variations in the pictures; please refer to the actual product for the true color. ※ Rare item, only one available. ※ All items are collected pieces over ten years old, with no artificial aging effects. If you have any doubts, please do not place an order. Thank you! ※ We strive to provide complete product descriptions and photographs. Please make your own judgment regarding the value of the item. Antique items come with no warranty or grace period for inspection. Returns and exchanges are not accepted once the item is sold.