Chinese School, Soushan, circa 1900.

Chinese School, Soushan, circa 1900.
Stone and wooden base.
Measurements: 21 x 21 x 5,5 cm; 5 x 13 x 8,5 cm (base).
The ornamentation of this carving presents several fish that in Chinese culture symbolize surplus and wealth. The reason for this association arises from the fact that the Chinese word for fish (yú) is pronounced in a very similar way.
Shoushan is a village located in northern Fujian. The use of stone carving dates back to the southern dynasties and has long been used to produce handicrafts and, later in the Ming dynasty, seals.