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Pair of 20C Chinese Soapstone Carved Bookends

$640per set
£486.69per set
€561.38per set
CA$896.52per set
A$1,003.39per set
CHF 523.92per set
MX$12,241.37per set
NOK 6,650.53per set
SEK 6,310.94per set
DKK 4,192.09per set
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About the Item

Presenting a lovely pair of 20C Chinese Soapstone carved bookends. Made in China in the early 20th Century circa 1930. This is a matching and reverse facing pair of mottled brown and tan soapstone carvings to create a very unusual pair of bookends. Carved in relief in what appear to be planters/jardiniere’s with flowing flowers. They sits on solid flat base with heart shaped indents on the front. Provenance: From a Private Dallas Estate. Condition: In very good original condition with no chips cracks or losses. Dimensions: Each is 4.25 inches tall, 3.4 inches wide and 1.4 inches deep. Soapstone (also known as steatite or soaprock) is a talc–schist, which is a type of metamorphic rock. It is composed largely of the magnesium rich mineral talc. It is produced by dynamothermal metamorphism and metasomatism, which occur in the zones where tectonic plates are subducted, changing rocks by heat and pressure, with influx of fluids, but without melting. It has been a medium for carving for thousands of years. During the Spring and Autumn Period (771–476 BC), soapstone was carved into ceremonial knives. Soapstone was also used to carve Chinese seals.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 4.25 in (10.8 cm)Width: 3.4 in (8.64 cm)Depth: 1.4 in (3.56 cm)
  • Sold As:
    Set of 2
  • Style:
    Chinese Export (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1930
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Very good original condition.
  • Seller Location:
    Dallas, TX
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU3978125502032

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