Onyx Sculpture Appraisal

Pair of Mid-Century Carved Calcite/Onyx Figurative Sculptures

This item consists of a pair of carved calcite or onyx decorative pieces, likely bookends or sculptural accents, exhibiting characteristics consistent with a Mid-Century period. Each piece is carved from a single block of translucent stone, predominantly in shades of light amber and cream, with distinct natural veining visible throughout. The piece on the left, an elongated, reclining female form reminiscent of an Egyptian sphinx, measures approximately 6-8 inches in length and 4-5 inches in height, judging by its proportion to the wooden surface. Its polished surface reflects light, highlighting the intricate natural patterns of the stone, including prominent white and light yellow bands contrasting with the deeper amber tones. The details of the face are subtly carved, presenting a stylized human profile without sharp features, indicating a more abstract or minimalist approach. There are no observable chips or major cracks, suggesting good overall condition for its age. The second piece, on the right, is a narrower, upright bust or head, also depicting a stylized female form with similar facial features and a distinctive headdress or elaborate hairstyle, perhaps inspired by Egyptian or Art Deco aesthetics. It stands roughly 5-7 inches tall. Both pieces show evidence of hand carving, with smooth, rounded contours and some subtle unevenness consistent with natural stone and artisanal production rather than mass manufacturing. The quality of the stone, with its luminous translucency and striking natural patterns, indicates a higher quality material. The bases are flat-cut, allowing them to sit stably on a surface. No visible maker's marks or signatures are apparent from the provided images. The overall aesthetic suggests an influence of Art Deco or Egyptian revival styles, filtered through a Mid-Century modern lens, where natural materials and organic forms were highly valued.