Antique Chinese Carved Soapstone Spill Vase An exceptionally hand-carved antique Chinese soapstone spill vase - spill holder, profusely decorated and intricately detailed naturalistic sculpture form, foliage wrapped urn with single well basin, having pierced openwork and engraved motif ornamentation. Spill vases were used from around the late 15th century to the late 19th - early 20th century. Usually kept on the fireplace mantel and filled with splints or spills (tightly rolled paper tapers or very thin wood sticks) used to transfer from a lit fire to candles, oil lamps, wood burning stove, a pipe or cigar. Measures 5 1/4" wide, 3" deep and 3 1/8" tall.