The Chinese character for stone is a composite of 2 pictographs - a mountain cliff and a mouth - representing the notion that mountain gives birth to stone. Mountains are sacred in traditional Chinese culture. Throughout Chinese history one can see stories of emperors, the nobility, sages, monks, and literati visiting mountains to purify themselves. Mountains are places where one can lift oneself closer to heaven. Anything associated with mountains is also regarded in the same light - spiritual. Stone engravings served as teaching aids to help people understand the different Chinese philosophies regarding this world, how a Chinese society functions and one's responsibility towards society. Stools A pair of white marble Stools One of a pair of white marble incense stands