Featured Any Chinese item Experts?? Soapstone Tea Tray platter, makers mark on back

Found this very cool tray at an estate sale of a Asian Arts collector. Looked old and very detailed. Does have a square Chinese Makers Mark on the back.
Did some digging and discovered this belonged with a tea set for 6 cups and teapot. He only had this piece which is gorgeous. Its pretty heavy like a stone( 3lbs) , cold and soft feeling. At first I thought it was wood because of the color. It almost appears to have a layer of coating on top to give it that color.
What do you guys think? Old or made to appear like a old replica? Any insight to age or value?

 

nice carving !

 

Im wondering if its not resin from the way you describe it . They are putting resin stuff out now that is very convincing. Its really hard to tell from pics sometimes,at least for me. Id expect more wear if it were truly old.

 

Are those supposed to be flowers of some sort, inside the copper looking discs or different objects as well?? At least, that's all I could come up with! And it looks metal, to ME, IMHO!! It's absolutely LOVELY, regardless!!!!
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Some of them look like bats to me, a Chinese symbol of good fortune.

 

Agreed on bats. Also a person riding a bird in the center. And a turtle?

 

I have no reason to believe it is a replica. It looks late 19th-early 20th century to me, made for export.
Could you post photos of the inlays please?

 

It's a beauty.

 

I heart it muchly.

 

I find it interesting the the carving is splendid .... while in inlay is so poor...

 

I agree. Does true soapstone bleed? Maybe its a different material.

 

that could be the glue turning color...