Lion carved in soapstone

A majestic lion takes shape in the softness of steatite, this soft stone also known as soapstone . Its green patina with golden reflections captures the light and highlights every detail: the power of its musculature, the nobility of its posture and the wild beauty of its mane.

Entirely hand-carved, this work of art tells a story. Beneath one of its paws, the four letters OSLT appear, perhaps alluding to a "Fire and Rescue Organization." Under its belly, a discreet signature of initials testifies to the artisan's hand. A subtle nod to soapstone itself, renowned for its heat resistance, as if the material were conversing with the symbol of the protective lion.

This antique piece shows some signs of age, including light scratches on the left rear leg.

Soapstone is a soft metamorphic rock composed largely of talc. Easy to carve, it allows artisans to create precise shapes with simple tools. Its smooth texture and soapy feel make it a unique stone, prized since antiquity. In Egypt, it was fashioned into scarabs and seals. In China and India, it was used for ornaments and utensils. Among the Inuit, Native Americans, and Scandinavian peoples, it has been worked for over 7,500 years to make ritual objects and everyday tools.

Even today, soapstone is prized for its natural beauty and its ability to withstand the test of time.

Touch: very soft

Height: 9.5 cm

Length: 18.5 cm

Width: 5.5 cm

Material: green soapstone

Origin: unknown