It's in great condition. Artist unknown
10 1/2 " tall
Hello, this item is a vintage Chinese hand-carved sculpture depicting a traditional fisherman figure. Measuring 10 ½ inches tall, the carving shows a bearded man in flowing robes, holding a fishing pole and net with a fish in hand, symbolizing abundance and self-reliance in Chinese folk iconography. The material appears to be stained soapstone or possibly hardwood with a dark lacquer finish, both common in mid-20th-century decorative export carvings. Despite the absence of a maker’s mark, the composition and details, particularly the folds of the garment and base carving, reflect careful craftsmanship.
This type of carving was widely produced in China from the Republican period through the 1970s for both domestic and international decorative markets. Its condition, intact detail, and subject matter make it appealing to collectors of Chinese folk art or vintage décor. However, the lack of artist attribution and the standardized nature of similar pieces limit its market rarity. The fair market value for this sculpture is approximately $100 to $180 USD.