An exquisite specimen quality chrysanthemum viewing stone of extraordinary beauty and measuring a large-scale 16 inches high and 10.5 inches wide including the custom hand-carved hardwood base that is also included.

Provenance: This Scholar rock or viewing stone was given to a South Korean Professor as a gift by a Chinese Colleague while attending a conference in Beijing, China during the late 1980s.

History of these fascinating stones:

These large, natural and one-of-a-kind dark stone matrix Yonghe with
artistically carved and polished surfaces occasionally reveal a superb large natural chrysanthemum crystal such as this wonderful example. These are unique appreciation or viewing stones consisting of spherical rosette Formations of white crystals contained in celestite. They are heralded as one of the most important natural resources and collectible treasures in all of China. Since the 18th century when the Qian Long emperor received them as royal tribute, fine monumental chrysanthemum stones have been considered great aesthetic treasures and coveted by westerners since their stunning unveiling during the Panama Pacific International Exhibition in 1915. These stones were relatively unknown mineralogically until the 1980s!

Today, high quality specimen sculptures such as this superb example are widely sought after. Only the most talented master artisans are able to “read” the skin of the rough stone and reveal the delicate petals of the chrysanthemum flower, unveiling it’s extraordinary hidden beauty through meticulous efforts. Perfect for home or office decor or as a favorite garden or patio accent.

Lifetime guarantee of authenticity: All of our Asian works of art come with our Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee.