Offered is a vintage hand-carved Canadian Inuit soapstone sculpture depicting a resting seal.
The sculpture measures approximately 4 inches (10.2 cm) in length and is carved from attractive dark green soapstone with natural lighter veining visible throughout the stone. The underside retains the original Canada Eskimo Art label and is signed by the artist in Inuktitut syllabics, appearing to read:
ᔪᐊᓂᕙᓚᒥ
(Artist identification based on the syllabic signature; Romanized spelling has not yet been confirmed.)
The underside also bears the original inventory/catalog number:
202657
The carving features a beautifully elongated body with subtle engraved fur texture across the back, finely incised whiskers, drilled eyes, and carefully shaped flippers. The minimalist yet expressive form is characteristic of mid- to late-20th-century Canadian Inuit soapstone sculpture.
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Condition
Overall, the sculpture displays very well and remains in good vintage condition.
Please review all photographs carefully, as they form part of the description.
Condition notes include:
* Original Canada Eskimo Art paper label remains attached to the underside with expected age-related wear.
* Light surface wear and minor scratches consistent with age, handling, and display.
* Small scattered flea bites and tiny white surface marks typical of vintage soapstone.
* One noticeable chip to the tip of the rear tail/flipper, shown clearly in the photographs. The damage is confined to the tail tip and does not affect the structural integrity or overall presentation of the sculpture.
* No visible repairs.
* No visible cracks.
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Measurements
* Length: approximately 4 inches (10.2 cm)
* Width and height: see photographs for proportions.
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Notes
This sculpture was acquired from a New England antique shop and is offered as an authentic vintage Canadian Inuit carving. It is being sold exactly as found.