A beautifully hand-carved Chinese soapstone sculpture depicting a young boy playing a flute while riding a water buffalo. This traditional pastoral motif symbolizes peace, harmony, rural life and the innocence of childhood in Chinese folk culture. The figure is mounted on an intricately carved stone base with pierced openings reminiscent of scholar’s rocks. The warm honey-brown color, natural variations and the soft gloss on the surface are typical of authentically aged soapstone. Important Provenance This sculpture was kept in the storehouse of a traditional Japanese sake brewery. According to the history of the brewery, the object was already stored there before 1945 (pre-Shōwa 20) and remained preserved in the same kura (storehouse) until it was recently discovered. Such brewery storehouses were cool, dry and ideal for long-term storage, which explains the excellent preservation of this piece. This kind of early import or merchant-brought Chinese carving is becoming rare, making this a highly collectible work with documented historical context. Craftsmanship – The facial expression of the boy is lively and detailed – The flute and hands are finely carved – The buffalo’s posture is natural and well shaped – Clothing folds, hat details and rope carving show clear hand-work – The base is carved from a separate stone block, with textured layers and natural veins This is not a modern reproduction but an early 20th-century folk carving with genuine age and charm. Condition Good vintage condition with age-related wear. Minor marks and natural stone veins consistent with its pre-1945 age. The natural glossy patina is original to the material. A solid and heavy piece. Dimensions Height: 17 cm Width: 12 cm Depth: 4.5 cm Weight: 806 g Material Soapstone (steatite) Origin China (Provenance: preserved in a Japanese sake brewery storehouse since before 1945)