A Soapstone Boulder Carving, Qing Dynasty

carved in deep relief with Shou Lao leaning on his staff, standing beneath pine trees, flanked by jardinières of flowering chrysanthemum perched on rocky ledges to either side, two attendants unrolling a scroll in the foreground, using the yellowish inclusions in the otherwise opaque mottled grey stone, supported on a mottled brown soapstone stand carved to simulate gnarled branches. 19cm overall. Estimate 2,000—3,000 AUD

Sotheby's. The Connoisseur's Spring Collection, Including the Private Collection of Colin Lennox and Tom Gillies, John Stephens and The Late John Klinger. 28 Oct 08. Melbourne. www.sotheby's.com - photo courtesy Sotheby's