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Chinese Chicken Blood Stone Carving of Bodhidharma on Wood Stand

Offered by: Tishu

Description
A small chicken blood stone carving from China circa early 20th century, possibly early (late Qing to early Republic period). It depicts an aged Bodhidharma meditating in a cave. The stone was identified as chicken blood stone, a rock of fine-grained mixture of clay and quartz, with varying amounts of cinnabar, which manifests in red spots, streaks, and patterns. The stone is found only in Changhua, Zhejiang Province and Balinyouqi, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. It is regarded as one of the three most cherished stone types for making seals and small carvings like this. The current stone is of a boulder form, mostly yellowish white and with the carving, the inner cinnabar red appears in random places.
Bodhidharma, a legendary Buddhist monk from Central Asian or India who was credited for bringing Chan school of Buddhism (also known in Japan as Zen) to China around 5-6th century. One of the most unique practices attributed to him was wall-gazing, a type of meditation in solitude. Throughout the history of art, he was often depicted meditating in a small cave, on painting and as sculpture as seen in this piece. The display stand is carved from solid wood and resembles the platform of a Buddhism temple. It is likely the original stand to compliment the carving conceptually.

More Information

Origin:	China
Period:	1900-1919
Materials:	stone carving on wood stand
Condition:	Good. Wear consistent with age and use. Stone with natural surface character and shows spots of red marks found on chicken blood stone. Wood stand with light wear and contact mark.
Creation Date:	early 20th century
Styles / Movements:	Asian, Traditional
Patterns:	Asian/Oriental, Handmade
Incollect Reference #:	525436

Dimensions

W.	7 in;	H.	6.5 in;	D.	4 in;
W.	17.78 cm;	H.	16.51 cm;	D.	10.16 cm;

Message from Seller:

Our collection ranges from Neolithic Art to 20th century collectible art and design. It spans 5000 thousand years of history and crosses many civilizations and cultures. Our aesthetic strongholds are Mid-century studio design, Japanese and Korean art, Asian Textile Art and Contemporary Aboriginal Art. The diversity is united behind our singular vision to seek for timeless beauty and driven purely by our passion