The Ginkgo Design Carved Steatite Stone Coasters (Set of 2) are designed by the French design company L’Indochineur, and produced for them by artisans in Vietnam. The use of steatite, also known as soapstone dates back to early Egyptian antiquity, where it was carved into scarabs and seals; in China and India it was used for ornaments, seals, and domestic utensils. Because of the properties of the material, each coaster will have distinctive variations of color and finish. The coasters measure 4.75” in diameter, and 0.25” in depth. Ideal for a coffee mug and large enough to be used as a stylish bottle coaster.