Chinese Art - Shoushan Stone

Shoushan stones come from the area around the city Fuzhou in Fujian Province. Shoushan Stones are one of the three famous stones of China used in Chinese art. The stones are known for their fine texture, multi-color hues and carve ability. There is an ancient legend that explains the origin of the stones; in ancient times a five-colored Phoenix stopped at Shoushan Mountain, within the protection of the mountains she laid many eggs and these multicolored eggs became the origins of the famous Shoushan stones.

              

There were more than 130 types of Shoushan Stones on record, but many can no longer be found. There are 50 to 60 kinds of Shoushan Stones used for art at present. The market for quality Shoushan stones is very active and the competition to acquire high quality stones is evidenced rapidly appreciating value of both raw and finished products.

Shoushan stone carvings have been found among the funerary objects dating back to the Southern Dynasty. During the Tang Dynasty there was a variety of locally produced Asian Art using Shoushan stone, such as small images of Buddha, incense burners and prayer beads. Stone workshops in the Song Dynasty carved Shoushan stone into ancient figurines. In the Ming and Qing Dynasty, after being carved and polished, Shoushan stone was turned into splendid seals that scholars collected to sign documents and authenticate their Chinese art works. Some seals were carved into animals, protruding flowers and plants, insects and fish and side scenes. Among these superb craftsmen were Yang Ji of the Late Ming Dynasty and Zhou Bin of the Early Qing Dynasty.

These stone carvings undergo elaborate designing and processing. Generally speaking, the stone carving begins with determining the natural nature of the stone being carved. The Chinese artists cannot force the stone to be something it is not and the ability to work with the natural quality of the stones sets these artists apart. The carving theme is based upon the shape, the texture, the grain, the color and hue of the object. Next outlines are made for carving spots on this raw stone. Then they make the cuts and shapes of the semi-finished product. The stone is finally turned into a handicraft through refining, polishing and waxing.

The unique quality of Shoushan Stones, the impeccable skill and creativity of the Chinese artists contribute to the growing popularity of Shoushan Stones. The superior craftsmanship singles out the superb quality of Shoushan Stones and this blend of Chinese art and nature has contributed to the rising value of Shoushan Stones as a collectible.

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