Hand-Carved Black Soapstone Vase with Fish Motif

This item is a decorative hand-carved soapstone vase, likely of Kenyan or Peruvian origin, featuring a traditional black finish with etched sgraffito-style ornamentation. The vessel possesses a wide, bulbous base that tapers significantly toward a narrow, circular opening at the top, creating an ovoid or teardrop profile. The primary decorative theme consists of stylized fish swimming horizontally around the lower two-thirds of the body, characterized by fine hatch-marks to denote scales and fins. Above this, a geometric band of concentric triangles and diamond patterns circles the shoulder. The carving technique exposes the natural lighter gray or cream color of the stone beneath the black surface pigment, providing a high-contrast aesthetic. Visible condition indicators include minor surface abrasions and light dust accumulation in the etched grooves, typical of a piece displayed on a shelf. The stone shows a smooth, matte to slightly satiny finish with soft edges at the rim, suggesting professional craftsmanship. This style of folk art pottery is common in the late 20th century to contemporary era, serving both functional (as a bud vase) and high-decorative purposes.