Carved Stone Sculpture Appraisal

Carved Stone Donkey Figurine with Pack

This item is a carved stone figurine depicting a donkey or burro carrying a saddle pack. It appears to be relatively small, consistent with a desk ornament or shelf display piece. The material is a light-colored, possibly grey or off-white, stone with visible veining and natural variations in tone, suggesting marble, alabaster, or a similar type of soft stone. The carving exhibits a somewhat minimalist and stylized approach, with clean lines defining the animal's form. The legs are depicted as solid pillars rather than anatomically separate limbs, and the ears are tall and pointed. A distinct saddle or pack is carved onto the donkey's back, featuring grooved lines that might represent straps or segments of the load. The overall surface of the carving appears smooth, indicating a polished finish, though some minor imperfections or patination might be present due to age or handling. There are no obvious signs of significant damage like chips or cracks apparent in the image. Although no specific maker's marks or signatures are visible, the stylistic simplicity aligns with folk art or mid-century modern aesthetic sensibilities often seen in carved animal figures from that period, which would place its estimated age in the mid-20th century. The craftsmanship, while not hyper-realistic, reflects a capable hand in shaping the stone and achieving a recognizable form with character.