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I recently acquired this unusual old 6" tall statue. It feels like wood, but is heavy like stone. Someone told me that it is agarwood, but it doesn't look like photos I have seen. The bottom has old felt residue over an old round label. I can only make out the word "Republic" on part of the label. Any ideas what this is?

Agarswood is popularly used in incense. if it is agarswood it would most likely give off a smell, does it?

I don't know how to describe the fragrance it produces but it's a very typical smell

Axel, Thank you for your reply! The statue does have a smell like a dried shell, starfish, or beach sand.
Stephen

Ok, well then its probably not made from agarswood. It might be one of those items used as a stamp. So that the flat side can be carved in the form of a sign or signature.

Material could be resin perhaps. Sorry i can't help you out.

Alex, thank you for your efforts. I'll keep trying. When you are talking about "resin" are you talking about natural resin (tree sap?) or are you talking about a cheapo plastic piece. It seems natural to me. Again, thank you!
Steve

Could be treated soapstone. If it is it should easily scratch. Does not look like wood.
Regards,
Mark@imperial

Hi Mark, Thank you. it's always hard to tell from photographs, but it is definitely not soapstone. It's not that heavy and under a loupe we can see a wood grain. It's very hard, though and heavy for its size My wife smells "the sea" with it, but I can't smell anything. Anyone who has info, we would really appreciate it. We are baffled.

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