East Asia, China, Ming to Qing Dynasty, ca. 16th to 19th century CE. An immortal figure riding a crane with a swirling cloud below, relief carved into the face of a marble pillar or baluster fragment. The stone has a tenon in the base and slotted sides for nestling into other stone pillars as part of a staircase / terrace balustrade. Cranes held a special place in Chinese culture as symbols of longevity, they carry souls to heaven. The Immortals were legendary people revered by Taoists and well known symbols in Chinese art and culture of prosperity and spiritual power. They often transform into cranes or cranes serve as mounts and companions for mythical journeys - which is depicted in this stone. An antique wood stand supports this stone as Size: 7" L x 7" W x 18.5" H (17.8 cm x 17.8 cm x 47 cm); 19" H (48.3 cm) on included custom stand.

Significant pavilions, towers, and halls of early Chinese palaces stood upon raised terraces and were bordered by marble balustrades, as were stone bridges. The vertical posts or balusters supporting the ?baluster heads? are called ?wangzhu? in Chinese. Immense artistic energy was invested in creating these balusters, they were skillfully carved to represent mythical beings and entities.

Please note that this item is heavy/oversized. Please inquire about shipping prior to bidding.

Provenance: private Hawaii collection, acquired 2000 to 2010

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#177463

Marble is a fragment from a larger pillar. Restoration to carved left hand and wing area. Loss to crane beak and figure's eyes. Light mineral deposits in recessed areas. Wood stand is antique / vintage with age commensurate wear and patina.