Chinese Soapstone Tea Bowl Lid and Saucer Republic Period

A very well carved tea bowl set that has that classic shape and look. The stone has a very soft, aged feel.   The turned soapstone tea bowl, lid, and saucer have a nice, speckled pattern in the stone. The soapstone has the look of nephrite jade and so was probably dyed to achieve this. The carving is very thin with translucence. The carving is very good with depth and sharpness.   The saucer has no foot and a flat base. The lid has a raised bowl finial and no flange. The cup has a nicely-carved, raised foot.   MEASUREMENTS   Bowl – 3 5/8” (9.2 cm) diameter x 2 ½” (6.4 cm) tall. Saucer – 3 ¾” (9.5 cm) diameter x ¾” (1.9 cm) tall. Overall – 3 5/8” (9.2 cm) diameter x 3 ¾” (9.5 cm) tall. Weighs 8.2 oz (230 g)   CONDITION   There are no cracks, chips, or breaks. The stone feels glassy and smooth.   A great tea bowl that will shine in the light.