Chinese Dark Soapstone Carved Pierced Dragon Panel 19th Century

A heavy dark soapstone rectangular panel that is carved with a four-clawed dragon flying in the clouds over sea waves and mountains. The panel is old and doesn’t feel soapy any longer. The carving is accurate, intricate, and detailed. The carved edges are well-rounded and not sharp. The panel has a recessed interior and this piece may have been used as a lid. The interior is not as polished as the exterior. The carving has a nice soft feel.   MEASUREMENTS   3 7/8” (9.8 cm) long x 2 ¼” (5.7 cm) wide x ¼” (.6 cm) thick. Weighs 2.4 oz (60 g)   CONDITION     There is damage through the lower part of the panel. It looks like it was broken in two and was repaired. They did a good job of restoration; you can hardly see the break. The two top corners have chips but they are small and don’t detract. There are scratches on the surface of the interior.    This plaque has an intricate carving of a dragon over the mountains and waves. It was made by an accurate, seasoned carver with much experienc