Inuit - Greenland
06
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€ 1
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Selected by Surya Rutten
Has over 25 years' experience in Asian art and owned an art gallery.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
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Arctic polar bear sculpture in grey soapstone (speckstein) with Inuit origin from Greenland, dating to the mid 20th century, about 15.5 cm tall and in good original condition.
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Description from the seller
Arctic Polar Bear – Inuit Style Soapstone Sculpture – about 15.5 cm – Polar Bear Carving – 20th Century
This unusual Arctic bear seems to be peering curiously over the sea ice – or perhaps it has simply picked up a scent. The highly stylized form with the long neck and slightly open mouth gives the figure a almost humorous, very characteristic presence.
The sculpture is made of gray soapstone (serpentine / steatite), a traditional material of Arctic carving. The surface shows typical grinding and finishing marks as well as natural inclusions in the stone, which give the piece an authentic and lively texture.
Representations of polar bears are among the classic motifs of Arctic art. They symbolize strength, endurance, and life in the harsh polar region. Especially in the reduced, almost minimalist form language, a very expressive animal figure emerges.
The figure stands stably on four short legs and has a beautiful, lightly curved body line. The elongated head and neck make the bear look as if it is cautiously observing its surroundings.
Material: soapstone / serpentine
Depiction: polar bear (Ursus maritimus)
Length: about 15.5 cm
Condition: good age-related condition with visible tool marks on the stone and a small typical material crack on one hind leg.
A charming Arctic animal portrayal with lots of character – and a gaze that lies somewhere between curious and slightly puzzled.
Shipping only to the EU, carefully packaged.
Arctic Polar Bear – Inuit Style Soapstone Sculpture – about 15.5 cm – Polar Bear Carving – 20th Century
This unusual Arctic bear seems to be peering curiously over the sea ice – or perhaps it has simply picked up a scent. The highly stylized form with the long neck and slightly open mouth gives the figure a almost humorous, very characteristic presence.
The sculpture is made of gray soapstone (serpentine / steatite), a traditional material of Arctic carving. The surface shows typical grinding and finishing marks as well as natural inclusions in the stone, which give the piece an authentic and lively texture.
Representations of polar bears are among the classic motifs of Arctic art. They symbolize strength, endurance, and life in the harsh polar region. Especially in the reduced, almost minimalist form language, a very expressive animal figure emerges.
The figure stands stably on four short legs and has a beautiful, lightly curved body line. The elongated head and neck make the bear look as if it is cautiously observing its surroundings.
Material: soapstone / serpentine
Depiction: polar bear (Ursus maritimus)
Length: about 15.5 cm
Condition: good age-related condition with visible tool marks on the stone and a small typical material crack on one hind leg.
A charming Arctic animal portrayal with lots of character – and a gaze that lies somewhere between curious and slightly puzzled.
Shipping only to the EU, carefully packaged.
Details
Number of objects
1
Ethnic group/ culture
Inuit
Country of Origin
Greenland
Period
Mid 20th century
Material
Soapstone
Condition
Good condition
Height
15.5 cm
Authenticity
Original/official
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