Trio of Carved Steatite Hear No Evil, See No Evil, Speak No Evil Figures

This set consists of three complementary hand-carved soapstone (steatite) figures representing the 'Three Wise Monkeys' or 'Hear No Evil, See No Evil, Speak No Evil' motif. Each figure is rendered in a warm, earthy palette of mottled browns, russet, and ochre, characteristic of natural soapstone deposits. The craftsmanship shows stylized, rounded forms with incised lines to indicate hands, facial features, and the posture of the figures. Each piece stands approximately 3 to 4 inches in height. The material exhibits a soft, waxy luster with subtle color variations throughout the grain of the stone. Notable features include the smooth polishing of the outer surfaces contrasted with deep-set grooves that define the limbs and expressions. Regarding condition, the stones appear to be in good vintage condition with a natural aged patina; however, there are minor surface abrasions and small flea-bite chips at the bases, which are common for soft stones like steatite. There are no visible maker's marks or signatures, suggesting they are likely mid-20th-century artisan-produced pieces from common soapstone carving regions such as China or South Asia. The weight of the carvings appears substantial for their size, and the tactile quality indicates a hand-finished process rather than a mass-molded resin imitation. The figures are distinct yet unified in style, making them a complete decorative set.