Vintage Chinese Soap Stone Carvings are fascinating collectable pieces.  The carvings feature delicate details and rich symbolism. Chinese soapstone carvings are a traditional form of art that has been part of Chinese culture for centuries.  These carvings are known for their intricate details and rich symbolism.  Soapstone is a soft stone with a high tale content and varies from very soft to a measured hardness and can be easily scratched with a knife or blade and was developed during the Qing Dynasty 1644 – 1911.