Chinese Ji Xue Shi (Chicken Blood Stone) on Hardwood Base

A slab of red so saturated it looks wet, crossed by white veins that wander like rivers on a map.

This Ji Xue Shi, or chicken blood stone, comes from Zhejiang Province, China, and stands on a hardwood base. Chicken blood stone takes its name from the red of its markings, and has long been prized in China for carving seals and for display. This one is a polished, upright boulder with softly faceted sides. A bright brick red covers most of it, cut by bands of white and grey quartz. A dark hardwood stand with a shaped top and scrolled feet holds it. It is 10 inches wide, 7.5 deep and 16 high.

Plenty of drama for something that does not move.