Featured any information on this chinese(?) soapstone(?) lion carving

I've looked everywhere, but I can't find anything very close. I've found other pieces that contain the same thematic elements, but they're in a different style. I found some snuff bottles that seem to be carved in a similar style, but it's not enough to go on. I assume it's Chinese and that it's soapstone (It looks even more like soapstone in person - higher gloss, more green.). It's about 9" tall and 13" wide. There are some clouds carved into the back but no other markings.

 

Im no oriental expert,but that seems exceedingly well done!It couldnt hurt to shoot off some emails to some big name auction houses.Lovely piece.

 

Definitely Chinese and probably soapstone. I'm no expert, but that's NICE.

 

Agree completely..... so much better than what we usually see here. Also, your photo is incredible. You might try the top tier houses but, if you don't get a favorable response, try Skinners or Bonhams.

 

The photos are not detailed enough,it may be older and hand carved or newer and completely machine carved.No one can really tell from an online photo.

 

that's not true..

 

Wow, wow, wow, this is gorgeous!
An older piece, handcarved in Shoushan stone, not soapstone.
Shoushan stone is agalmatolite from Fujian province in China. Shoushan carvings are worth much more than soapstone, though not as much as jade.
The subject is a celestial lioness with her cubs, playing in the clouds with a brocade ball. The brocade ball is exquisitely carved. The ball represents the coveted Buddhist pearl of wisdom, something you often see with Chinese celestial dragons.
Love it, as you may have noticed.
Another wow!

 

Here is a Shoushan stone carving with the same subject matter as yours, older, but not as exquisitely done:
http://en.51bidlive.com/Item/97733

Hard to tell from a photograph, but I would think yours is 1960's. If you can take it to an expert who can take a closer look and feel of the stone, they could give you a better estimate of the period.

 

That's pretty much exactly what I was thinking when I bought it.

I can't take credit for that. It was provided by the seller.

Thanks so much for the information.