Antique Chinese Soapstone Sculpture - God of Wealth

This hand carved Quing Dynasty (1644-1911) soapstone sculpture is of the Chinese Daoist "God of Wealth". He is an elderly Immortal wearing a stately cap, has a long beard representing a long life, and drooping eyebrows. He is a wearing flowing robes with a magnificent jade belt. He is holding a scepter in his left hand. There are symbols of wealth and prosperity. For example, there are gold ingots above his head with several coins coming down the right side of the deity. There is a piece of the gold ingots facing front that is missing. Behind the God of Wealth's head appears to be a large lion or foo dog head facing sideways. He is sitting on a decorated pedestal. His right hand rests on his right knee. Underneath the pedestal is a magnificent tortoise and snake, representing longevity and prosperity. A mythical creature with a spiny back is beneath his right foot. A small decorative object near the creature is missing. There is a crack above the tortoise left side that blends very well into the sculpture. This soapstone sculpture becomes more transparent depending on the lighting source. The natural colors of the soapstone are brown, beige, and orange blended with transparency. There are couple very small areas where the soapstone is sharp, due to its overall age (Quing Dynasty 1644-1911). Dimensions: 5 1/2" x 2" x 1 1/4".