At first, this may seem like a frivolous way to name and display a simple stone. However, if you are familiar with the Chinese idiom “One Step to Heaven” (一步登天), which appears in both classical and modern writings, this stone display has a deeper meaning. Literally, this saying means “to ascend to Heaven in a single step.” This idiom is used when someone has an unexpected or sudden rise to success, stature, or power. It is also used when someone has a major promotion or exceptional good luck. 

This airy, undulating base represents clouds, while the foot-shaped rock is all that is seen of someone who is entering Heaven. The carved wood base is 20 cm wide, 9 cm high, and 11.5 cm deep. It is in the private collection of Phillip Ho.