My father brought this home from Japan in the late 1960’s. It weighs approximately. 4 lbs.
Tapered but approx. 8” tall x 4.5” wide by 1-2” deep
Hello, this item is a carved green stone sculpture, likely Japanese and dating to the mid 20th century, consistent with objects brought back during the postwar period. The material appears to be a type of serpentine or soapstone rather than true jade, based on its matte surface, relatively soft carving, and uniform green tone. The form is abstracted, with a polished outer shell and a recessed interior featuring clustered, rounded protrusions, suggesting either a stylized organic motif or a decorative interpretation rather than a traditional symbolic subject. The carving technique is competent but not highly refined, and the inscription on the base appears to be a simple workshop or artisan mark rather than a signature from a known master. Overall, this aligns with decorative export carvings produced for the tourist and interior design market during the 1950s to 1970s.
From a market perspective, such pieces are valued primarily for their decorative appeal rather than rarity or material value. True jade carvings with fine workmanship can command significantly higher prices, but soapstone or serpentine examples of this type remain modest in value. Considering size, condition, and aesthetic quality, a fair market value would reasonably fall in the range of $80 to $180 USD.