Preliminary identification
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Overview
This pair of hand-carved stone sculptures features two distinct representations of the walking bear, a classic motif in North American lapidary art. The smaller, highly polished figure is carved from deep green nephrite jade, while the larger, textured figure is sculpted from a speckled green serpentine or soapstone variant.
Story
For centuries, Indigenous and regional carvers across Canada have transformed raw, unyielding stone into fluid wildlife. These two bears represent a mid-to-late 20th-century boom in lapidary arts, where local minerals were celebrated.
Maker / Origin
While unsigned, these pieces represent the rich tradition of Canadian lapidary workshops and Indigenous Inuit or First Nations carvers who popularized stone wildlife sculptures. Studios in British Columbia and Quebec became world-renowned for sourcing local nephrite jade and serpentine, employing skilled artisans to carve expressive animal forms for the global art market.
Condition & Value
Both figurines appear to be in excellent condition with no visible chips, cracks, or fractures to the stone. The high-gloss polish on the jade bear remains intact, and the serpentine bear shows no signs of scuffing. Excellent condition helps secure the higher end of the value range. Value is driven by the material and origin.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.