Vintage/antique Chinese Hediao (核雕) – Carved olive pit - Pleasure boat. On stand For Sale

An exquisite miniature Chinese pleasure boat, intricately carved from an olive pit in the traditional art of Hediao, or Chinese fruit-stone carving. Examine the photographs to see the detail - there is a free-moving chain and windows that open and close. Truly delightful and a fine example of an extraordinary skill involved in creating elaborate miniature scenes from a single natural material.

The carving depicts a traditional Chinese pleasure boat, complete with a curved covered roof, finely detailed cabin, tiny windows, latticework and delicate architectural features.

It sits on a stand. In perfect condition - no damage or scuffs.

The olive pit has a rich reddish-brown patina, beautifully highlighting the intricate relief carving.

Details

• Size: approx 4cm long, and (total on stand) approx 3cm tall

• Weight: approx 7 grams unpackaged. Will package securely for posting.

• Origin: China

• Art form: Hediao (核雕), traditional Chinese olive-pit carving

• Subject: Chinese pleasure boat

• Material: Carved olive pit

• Features: Detailed covered cabin, windows, openwork carving and chained miniature attachment

• Colour: Rich reddish-brown

Hediao is a traditional Chinese miniature carving art in which skilled artisans transform olive pits and other fruit stones into extraordinarily detailed sculptures.

Pleasure boats are a particularly celebrated subject, inspired by centuries of Chinese river travel, leisure and literary culture. The tradition includes famous miniature boat carvings described in classical Chinese literature.

This is a delightful collector\'s piece for enthusiasts of Chinese art, miniature sculpture and traditional Asian craftsmanship.

Will package well and double box for posting.