Antique Carved Soapstone Bookends with Chinese Figures and Teapot Detail

Marvelous vintage Asian plaques of cast bronze figures mounted on black painted plywood backgrounds signed Gansu, set of 4. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that these are vintage and not new so will have signs of use and wear even if it has been refinished or restored. Specifically, each plaque background has had a fresh coat of black paint however, they still have nicks, dings, and chiggers appropriate with age. We added new hangers, and the bronze figures retain their original patinated finish. Please see photos, zoom in for details, and see long description as they are part of the condition report. We attempt to portray any imperfections. Circa, Mid-20th Century. If you are a lover of arts and culture, we have the perfect plaques for you!! We have four marvelous cast bronze Asian figures articulating extraordinary expressions of what we believe to be visual arts, culinary arts, musical arts, and performance arts. Each cast bronze figure is mounted upon a rectangular freshly painted black plywood base plaque, each bearing differing patina or signs appropriate with age such as nicks or dings that we feel only enhance the beauty of their presence. As a matter of fact, this particular set of four was among my mother’s personal collection for many years, so it holds a special place in my heart for sure!! In our research we discovered that Gansu is a province in north-central China. Its city Jiayuguan is best known for the magnificent Great Wall. Awesome!! Each cast bronze figure exudes their own form of art, celebrating life and all of the beauty that comes with it. One holds a serving tray with a couple of glasses and a carafe… in my world there is probably a delicious red wine inside that carafe just waiting to pass through my lips!! Whatever it may be, it must be something lovely, delicious, and a bit mysterious! Another figure embraces an incredible sculpture that drapes from the tip of her shoulder, under her arm, and secretly swoops behind her. Behold… a vision of loveliness left to your imagination … a puzzling and optically pleasing piece of artistry. While another figure proudly plays a flute, twinkling their fingers across the keys… filling the air with joyful notes & sounds that tickle your ears… But let’s not leave out the last figure dancing blissfully to the beat… skipping and shuffling her bare feet in the sand. And did you notice everyone is dressed to the T’s!! Gorgeous cloaks, gowns, Hanfu, headdresses, obis, wraps, and jewels!! What a PARTY...

Lovely chinoiserie vignette including a soap stone carving, a black tin tea canister comprised of hand painted gold floral detail, a lid, and a bun...

These are a beautiful pair of Chinese soapstone Bookends made in China during the Republic period, Circa 1920. These bookends are individ...

Hand carved bookends with a marketplace and figures motif. Early 20th Century. Original painted finish.