Abstract Stone Garden Ornament

This curious carving dates to the late Qing dynasty (1644-1911), chiseled from solid limestone to an abstract, zoomorphic form. Possibly originating as an architectural finial, the stone sculpture has curving contours and evocative details suggestive of a coiled serpent, archaistic dragon or another mythical animal. Today, the small stone statue brings timeworn texture as a bookend, doorstop or garden ornament.