Alexandria, VA- Review: The Elegance of Nature Softly Carved into Soapstone
Publisher: New Academia Publishing; Vellum
Author: Robert Francis Murray
Reviewed by: Ralph Peluso, Literary Editor
Zebra Rating: 5 Artistic Stripes
It is likely most Americans do not know a heck of a lot about Chinese traditional soapstone carving. That is unless they are art devotees or have previous exposure to soapstone carvings through art education. Even so, the amount written about soapstone carving is limited. To help appreciate Robert Francis Murray’s latest work, I did some research.
The oldest identifiable soapstone sculptures have Asian origins, dating back more than three thousand years. Experts believe that soapstone artwork survived throughout the centuries because humidity does not cause the stones to break down. The height of the soapstone era in China was during the Ming Dynasty (1368 to 1644). Soapstone use spread to Europe, Africa and the Middle East. The Cretans of ancient Greece used soapstone for stamps and receptacles. The Vikings sought out soapstone for much of their jewelry. By the 17th century, soapstone sculptures by Western European artists increased dramatically. Perhaps the pinnacle of soapstone’s popularity was during the Art déco period between the 1920s and 1940s. Around that time, Inuit tribes began trading soapstone art pieces with the European settlers in North America, replacing whale bones and walrus ivory in sculpted crafts.
“The Elegance of Nature Softly Carved into Soapstone,” is filled with terrific photo images and provides an informative introduction into Chinese soapstone artwork. The pictures augment the stories in this first-class primer for readers. They are especially helpful to those not familiar with the medium.
Murray wrote this book during the height of the pandemic, attempting to bring greater regard to the artistry in these carvings and to raise their value to collectors in the open art markets.
Jade carvings are generally more sought after and treasured than soapstone because of their hardness and rarity. I asked Murray why he chose this topic,
“I say in my book that had it not been for my grandmother’s interest, I would probably not have been exposed to this type of artwork. I come from an artistic family on both sides,” Murray said. “My story is about me as a collector and how I went about doing it. When I saw what I had, I wanted to do a background check on their nature and how they came about.”
Murray’s personal soapstone collection is over 200 pieces, including two pieces which fascinated him as a boy and ignited his collector ambitions. These specific pieces were purchased by his grandmother in China in the early 20th century.
As we talked, Murray mentioned a crucial influence and contributor to the book. “Very important to me is Mikhail Ovchinnikov’s personal study and input to the manuscript, the Introduction. He wrote this from research in his part of the world,” Murray said.
Murray’s work is a testament to the cultural link between the United States and Russia in these turbulent times. “I value my relationship with Mikhail and his wife, both noted art historians an outstanding young Russian couple making their way to a better life in a problematic world.”
Murray resides with wife, Rosemary in Alexandria. He is a graduate of Gonzaga College High School and Georgetown University, He is also the author of “Swampoodle Lily” which highlighted his experience as a major team member in the renovation of Saint Aloysius Jesuit Church DC. Robert founded the von Brahler Ltd./Gallery and the Association of Alexandria Art Galleries. He is has been a contributing art reporter and writer for The Zebra..
“The Elegance of Nature Softly Carved into Soapstone” is a work that can be appreciated by art experts and novices. It raises the level of awareness about this little-known fine art. Professor James E. Lassiter, the cultural anthropologist, commented on the book, saying that “it succeeds in establishing a compelling argument for initiating cultural change in the art world and among the public.” Rating: 5 Artistic Stripes!
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