Prayer Hands Statue Appraisal

Vintage Gold-Painted Plaster Praying Hands Figurines

This item consists of a pair of vintage decorative figurines depicting hands in a prayerful position. Each piece is crafted from what appears to be cast plaster or chalkware, finished with an aged metallic gold or brass-toned paint. The figurines are approximately 5 to 7 inches in height and feature a stylized, somewhat blocky anatomical representation typical of Mid-Century religious decor. Notable features include the integrated square-cut bases which allow the hands to stand upright. Regarding condition, there is visible wear consistent with age, including significant paint loss and chipping, particularly along the edges of the bases and the fingertips, revealing the white primary material underneath. The surface exhibits a dull patina with some darkened areas and minor scuffing throughout. These mass-produced decorative items often date from the 1950s through the 1970s and were frequently used as bookends or bedside altar pieces. While no maker's marks are visible in the provided image, they are indicative of the religious kitsch style popular in mid-20th-century American households. The craftsmanship is functional rather than fine art, prioritized for accessible devotional use.