I have had this for many years and still don't know what it is? It appears to be wood around the edges and stone or soapstone in the center. Looks to be chineese? It Was Sold by John Richard Company in Greenwood, MS. Looks like their stuff is rather expensive.
Please note - I know nothing about this item, but I found similar piece on ebay with some details. I don't know if they are correct. ancient artifact | eBay
Yes it does look Chinese, a decorative carved panel from a piece of furniture or larger item originally. Seems 19th century to me. Chuckle at the price on the listing Kiko found!
It looks more like brass than gold to me? Still a very nice frame job. John Richard appears to sell high end Furniture and decorative items. Well, the one I have is almost identical to the one on ebay. That appears to rule out carved soap stone. It looks more like it was cast from some metal? The tag says soapstone, but looking closely I dont think so?
YOU answered my question....I was wondering if it was in some sort of 'shadow box'?? It sort of looked it..........
The ebay piece said limted edition bronze casting. "Features: Limited Edition Production Technique: Bronze Casting" They both come from the same company. From the ebay ad
The ebay piece is almost identical to mine. The piece in the center "Bronze" I guess. That would make sense if it was cast from the person / mold. The outer piece Is slightly different in places, not sure if it cast also or made of wood? The center pieces are not located in the same positions relative to the outer piece. I am not sure why the ebay add says "This is genuine ancient artifact" and also "Limited Edition", not sure those two statements go together?? However apparently, "John Richard" did put original antique items in shadow boxes and sell them thur his store.
