Pair of Carved Reclining Stone Horse Scuptures
I would like to request an appraisal for a pair of large carved hardstone horse sculptures. Origin is Chinese, bought by my parents on their travels in late 20th century. They weigh approximately 75# a piece and are approximately 20 - 24" L, 10-12" W and 16" H. They are both reclining with a stylized mane and tail, both sitting on a carved wooden base. A matching pair and are in very good overall condition that I can see. No artist signatures. Given their substantial size and weight, I am particularly interested in understanding whether the material may be nephrite jade or what type of hardstone this is and any information on the style of horses along with valuation.
20X10X16 and 24X12X16
Inherited
Yes
Hello, this item is a pair of large carved hardstone horse sculptures, produced in China in the late twentieth century for the decorative export market. The reclining pose with stylized mane and tail loosely references earlier Chinese sculptural traditions, but the form is generalized rather than tied to a specific historical dynasty. The material shows variegated green, brown, and cream tones with a mottled, somewhat opaque structure, consistent with serpentine or a similar decorative hardstone rather than true nephrite jade. The surface lacks the dense, fibrous translucency and refined polish associated with jade, and the scale and carving approach, especially combined with the carved wooden bases, align with workshop production intended for interior decoration.
From a market perspective, large decorative hardstone carvings of this type are valued primarily for size, weight, and visual impact rather than material rarity. While they are sometimes described as jade, pieces of this scale in true nephrite would command significantly higher values and show different material characteristics. Comparable pairs of large Chinese carved stone animal sculptures typically sell in the range of $800 to $2,500 USD depending on quality, size, and condition. Given the substantial dimensions, matching pair format, and overall good condition, a fair market value would reasonably fall between $1,200 and $2,200 USD for the pair.
