This carved soap stone shoe was made in tribute to the Temple of the Sleeping Buddha, first built during the Tang Dynasty (618 to 907). The temple lies in the outskirts of Beijing, and incorporated in the Xi Shan public garden. It is surrounded by orchid gardens and peach groves. The temple includes a bronze Buddha statue cast in 1321 (Yuan Dynasty). The statue weighs 54 tons and is about 17 feet long and lies on its side, sleeping, with no shoes. On either side of the Buddha are sets of huge shoes, left as gifts in case the Buddha ever needs to go for a walk. There are also scores of shoes left as gifts from local people. The shoe is of the classic Chinese slipper style and is completely hand carved from Yellow Flower stone. As a decorative item this hand crafted curio adds character to any collector's menagerie. It is also useful as an incense burner. Since each shoe is carved from natural stone there will be variations in color and texture from stone to stone. Each piece was carved in by Chinese artisans in the mid 1980s.

Made in tribute to the Temple of the Sleeping Buddha

Natural soapstone

Slight variations are part of the beauty and uniqueness of hand carved stone

Size: 4"L

Made in China