Hardstone: Chinese Rhodochrosite Quan Yin Carving

Chinese Rhodochrosite Quan Yin Carving (Front)

Chinese Rhodochrosite Quan Yin Carving (Back)

Chinese Rhodochrosite Quan Yin Carving (Front)
With Other Rhodochrosite Specimens

Chinese Rhodochrosite Quan Yin Carving (Back)
With Other Rhodochrosite Specimens

Chinese Rhodochrosite Quan Yin Carving (Partial Front)

Chinese Rhodochrosite Quan Yin Carving (Closeup of Petal)

Chinese Rhodochrosite Quan Yin Carving (Front)
Against Light to Show Translucency

Chinese Rhodochrosite Quan Yin Carving

Auction #0143

With Stand (which is attached)

2025: Box #18i – Rhodochrosite and Malachite Carvings

Note:

After acquiring this carving at auction, I posted some seller photos of this Chinese carving on a Facebook group, asking for opinions as to what this material could be.

My guess was Rhodochrosite.

After receiving this carving, I photographed it myself, some of the photos closeups.

I believe it is Rhodochrosite, but, of course, I can’t be 100% sure. It wasn’t offered as a Rhodochrosite item, per se. The description: “Unusual Chinese Quan Yin Carving.”

I’m surprised that the auction house would not know the material, but it happens. Perhaps the house wasn’t sure and didn’t want to speculate one way or another.

In some of the photos, I have included, for comparison, some known Rhodochrosite items.

This carving is closer in appearance to the polished stone – glossy as opposed to the lighter specimen.

Also, there is some transparency, as seen in the petal.

The color in the photos is a bit deeper than in the actual carving.

 

10.9 ounces

308 grams

1540 carats

 

6.75 inches tall

17 cm tall

 

Online auction: 11 October 2018

Grant Zahajko Auctions

Via Liveauctioneers

31 October 2018

 

2025-18i-Rhodochrosite and Malachite Carvings

2018-Zahajko-10-11

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