African Soapstone

Find many varieties of an authentic African soapstone available at 1stDibs. Frequently made of soapstone and stone, every African soapstone was constructed with great care. Find 8 options for an antique or vintage African soapstone now, or shop our selection of 2 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished piece. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer African soapstone, there are earlier versions available from the 19th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. When you’re browsing for the right African soapstone, those designed in Victorian styles are of considerable interest. A well-made African soapstone has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by David Bangura are consistently popular.

Prices for an African soapstone start at $190 and top out at $2,491 with the average selling for $1,129.

Every time you move into a house or an apartment — or endeavor to refresh the home you’ve lived in for years — life for that space begins anew. The right home accent, be it the simple placement of a decorative bowl on a shelf or a ceramic vase for fresh flowers, can transform an area from drab to spectacular. But with so many materials and items to choose from, it’s easy to get lost in the process. The key to styling with antique and vintage decorative objects is to work toward making a happy home that best reflects your personal style. 

Ceramics are a versatile addition to any home. If you’ve amassed an assortment of functional pottery over the years, think of your mugs and salad bowls as decorative objects, ideal for displaying in a glass cabinet. Vintage ceramic serveware can pop along white open shelving in your dining area, while large stoneware pitchers paired with woven baskets or quilts in an open cupboard can introduce a rustic farmhouse-style element to your den.

Translucent decorative boxes or bowls made of an acrylic plastic called Lucite — a game changer in furniture that’s easy to clean and lasts long — are modern accents that are neutral enough to dress up a coffee table or desktop without cluttering it. If you’re showcasing pieces from the past, a vintage jewelry box for displaying your treasures can spark conversation: Where is the jewelry box from? Is there a story behind it?

Abstract sculptures or an antique vessel for your home library can draw attention to your book collection and add narrative charm to the most appropriate of corners. There’s more than one way to style your bookcases, and decorative objects add a provocative dynamic. “I love magnifying glasses,” says Alex Assouline, global vice president of luxury publisher Assouline, of adding one’s cherished objects to a home library. “They are both useful and decorative. Objects really elevate libraries and can also make them more personal.”

To help with personalizing your space and truly making it your own, find an extraordinary collection of decorative objects on 1stDibs.