Soapstone Sculptures and Carvings

Stunning and unique pair of matching horse sculptures. With a combined experience of almost 30 years in the antiques trade, we were thrilled to once again find beautifully hand-crafted and decorative antiques that we had never seen before. From the density and the weight we can see and feel that these highly decorative horse sculptures are made of a tropical hardwood. Like, for example, with antique mirror frames or church sculptures these horses too were first covered with a mixture of chalk and glue so that the paint would hold longer. And, as so often is the case with antiques, the colors that were used for painting these horses are so much more beautiful than anything you find in this day and age that they truly are an absolute joy to look at. From the colors, the wear, the materials and the techniques that were used to create these horses we can see that these are 19th century antiques. However and unfortunately we lack the knowledge to be able to tell you from which country these highly decorative and sizeable works of art originate. We just can't find matching style horse sculptures anywhere on the worldwide web. They could be Chinese or Nepalese, but they could also be Persian or Arabian. We just have not been able to find out. What we do know is that they are definitely antique, they are in beautiful condition (with some wear, consistent with their age), they are highly decorative, probably unique and they have a look and feel that will instantly change the atmosphere of the room they are in. Mind you, our sharp price for this wonderful pair of horse sculptures...

A finely carved soap stone sculpture of a wise ancient with a dragon on his shoulder standing on a braun soap stone base. In fine original conditi...

Distinctive Chinese export four-panel coromandel screen featuring carved hardstone and soapstone decoration. The screen depicts a group of beauties in colorful flowing robes. The parcel-gilt landscape is decorated with two large carved stone trees...

Japan, a stunning large scroll painting of Koi lazily swimming in a placid pond among Momiji fallen leaves. Hand painted in vibrant colors- an auspicious art composition rendered on ...

Dome vase Singular, unpredictable cracks and tiny speckles distinguish the captivating aesthetic of this vase, featuring a cylindrical base and mouth incorporated within the spher...

Striking and decorative tall wall panels carved and gilt with overall openwork large scrolled acanthus leaves in relief, each leaf with raised ribs edg...

A rather fantastic and unusual walking stick/ cane. Hand carved from wood. Multi dragon heads. We have not seen another quite like it. Has a great feel and clearly unique look. ...

Japan, a small and unusual two panel tea screen of four playful rabbits amidst pink and white flowers in, byōbu. It dates to the Taisho period. Dimensions: 41 inches high and 56 i...

An opportunity to acquire a handsomely cased duo (2) of monumental hand carved stone swords or sabers from China. These are no ordinary swords. These unusual swords were probably int...

Impressive Chinese late Qing dynasty four panel folding coromandel screen featuring carved soapstone. The lacquered panels are decorated with idyllic scenes of beauties in a pagoda p...

19th/20th c., Antique hand-carved Japanese ramna panels depicting landscapes of black pine trees, temples, mountains and clouds. Likely carved from yaku cedar in the Osaka tradition of chokokuranma (carved transom), these are double sided three-dimensional landscape designs. The design is mirrored on each side of the panel. Ranma panels...

We are is delighted to offer for sale this stunning pair of vintage circa 1940s Chinese chinoiserie wall plaques depicting Geisha girls in soa...