Soapstone Owl Appraisal

Italian Hand-Carved Alabaster or Soapstone Owl Figurine

This item is a small, hand-carved stylized owl figurine, likely crafted from Italian alabaster or a similar soft stone such as soapstone or soaprock. The sculpture displays a minimalist, mid-century modern aesthetic, characterized by its geometric, reclining posture and simplified anatomical features. The stone possesses a warm, honey-toned beige or tan coloration with natural white veining and mottling throughout, which is typical of mineral deposits found in the Volterra region of Italy. Physically, the piece features a flat, rectangular base that transitions into a sloped back. The owl's face is defined by deeply incised concentric circular patterns around the eyes and a small, pointed beak. The body is decorated with repetitive scalloped or U-shaped chisel marks intended to represent feathers. The craftsmanship exhibits typical artisan hand-tooling, with visible variations in the depth and spacing of the carvings. The surface appears to have a semi-matte to satin finish, suggesting it was polished but not high-gloss. In terms of condition, there is minor softening of the carved edges due to handling and age, and some localized surface abrasions consistent with its vintage nature. No significant cracks or major chips are immediately visible from this angle, though the stone is naturally soft and prone to minor scuffing. Based on the style and material, it likely dates from the late 1950s to the 1970s, a period when Italian souvenir and decorative stonework was highly popular for export.