Chinese Figurine Made Of Rock Crystal – China, 19th Century

A beautiful 19th-century Chinese sculpture made of rock crystal depicting a Buddhist figure, likely a Luohan, standing on a cloud carved from the same material. The piece captivates with the crystal’s transparency and natural hues, as well as the finesse of the carving in the rendering of the face and the folds of the garment. The figure and its cloud-shaped base are separate and can be detached from one another.

The figure is depicted standing, clad in a long robe with soft, flowing folds, his hands concealed within his sleeves. His expressive face, with its pronounced features, evokes traditional depictions of sages and spiritual figures in Chinese Buddhism.

The sculpture rests on a cloud with sinuous, rounded forms, also carved from rock crystal. The craftsmanship subtly plays with the stone’s transparency, reflections, and natural variations, giving the piece a presence that is both delicate and sculptural.

The figure and its base are two distinct elements that can be separated from one another, allowing the quality of their craftsmanship to be appreciated independently.

Note: the figure’s head was broken off and subsequently reattached in the past. The repair is visible, notably with traces of white glue at the joint. This damage should be taken into account when assessing the work’s condition.

Period: 19th century
Material : Rock crystal
Subject : Buddhist figure, likely a Luohan

Condition: Head broken and previously reattached; visible traces of white glue

Dimensions : 12 cm total height

ProAntic keywords:Chinese art, Chinese sculpture, China, 19th century, rock crystal, quartz, hard stone, hard stone sculpture, Chinese figure, Luohan, Lohan, Arhat, Buddhism, Buddhist art, religious sculpture, Buddhist figure, Chinese sage, Chinese monk, Asian art, Far Eastern art, antique sculpture, Chinese cloud, cloud base, crystal sculpture, collectible, decorative object, cabinet of curiosities, Asian collection, ancient China.