Current Bid:
$12.00
Minimum Bid:
Auction has ended. (bidding was extended)
Buyer's Premium: 15% will be added to the final price. A 5% cash discount reduces the buyer's premium to 10% when paying in cash.
This lot comprises five hand-carved natural stone sculptures offered together: two pairs of horse head bookends and one soapstone turtle figurine. The first pair of bookends is carved from creamy white-to-pale yellow banded onyx, displaying the characteristic translucent layered striations typical of Mexican onyx (calcite onyx), with each piece standing approximately 6-7 inches tall on an oval polished base — the horse heads are rendered in a stylized silhouette form with notched mane detail. The second pair of bookends is carved from a rich brown-and-caramel banded onyx with dramatic swirling grain patterns, similarly styled with the arched horse head silhouette and notched mane, standing approximately 6-7 inches tall on rectangular beveled bases; these display exceptional figuring in the stone with deep chocolate and amber tones. The fifth piece is a dark grey-black soapstone (serpentinite) hand-carved turtle figurine, depicting a turtle in a naturalistic curled pose atop a rocky base, measuring approximately 3-4 inches long; the base bears what appears to be an artist's signature inscription and a small gold foil label, suggesting possible Zuni, Inuit, or Latin American folk art origin. Onyx horse bookend sets of this style were widely produced in Mexico from the 1950s through the 1980s and remain highly collectible decorative objects sought by collectors of Mid-Century decor, natural stone art, and Southwestern-style home furnishings — particularly popular in the Colorado and Southwest markets. Condition is overall Good to Very Good: the brown onyx pair shows minor surface scratches consistent with age and use, with one piece displaying a small natural inclusion/void at the base edge; the white onyx pair shows light surface wear and minor scuffs; the soapstone turtle shows surface scratching and some light chalking to the unpolished areas of the base, all consistent with honest age-related wear. No chips, cracks, or repairs are noted on any piece. All five pieces are structurally sound and display well.