Carved Soapstone or Alabaster Fish Figurine

This small decorative figurine depicts a stylized fish or aquatic creature leaping upwards, crafted from a translucent, pale cream-colored stone—likely alabaster, soapstone, or a low-grade onyx. The piece measures approximately 3 to 4 inches in length and features a smooth, polished finish that highlights the natural crystalline structure and subtle yellow-to-white banding of the material. The design is minimalist, utilizing broad, simple planes to define the body and fins, with a small dark inset bead representing the eye. It is mounted on an oval, flat base of a slightly darker, more yellowish tone of the same material, which shows a decorative notched or scalloped carving along its rim. The craftsmanship indicates a mid-20th-century mass-produced decorative object, likely intended for the souvenir or giftware market. Visible condition issues include a significant chip and fractured loss on the tail fin, as well as minor internal inclusions and surface surface abrasions consistent with the softness of the stone. The piece lacks any visible maker's marks or signatures and appears to be a generic example of hand-carved stone folk art or decorative giftware.