Carved Stone Bookends

Details

Description

This is a matched pair of carved stone bookends, notable for their weight, symmetry, and finely worked relief.

Each bookend … Read more This is a matched pair of carved stone bookends, notable for their weight, symmetry, and finely worked relief.

Each bookend is carved from a greenish-gold stone—likely soapstone or a similar soft stone—with natural mottling and tonal variation that gives the surface warmth and depth. The form is architectural and stepped, with a solid rectangular back and a tiered base designed to anchor books securely.

The front faces feature deeply carved botanical reliefs: scrolling vines laden with grape clusters, leaves, and small blossoms. The carving is highly dimensional, with pierced areas and undercutting that create shadow and visual richness. The foliage cascades diagonally across the face, giving movement and balance while maintaining symmetry between the two pieces.

From the side view, the bookends reveal their substantial thickness and the way the relief projects forward from the flat backing, emphasizing their sculptural quality. The backs are plain and flat, contrasting with the ornate fronts and reinforcing their functional purpose.

Overall, the pair has a classical, old-world character, blending decorative elegance with sturdy craftsmanship. They read as both functional objects and small sculptures—well-suited to a traditional library, antique desk, or curated interior where materiality and detail are appreciated. See less