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Subject:What is this?
Posted By: Stephen Harris Wed, Jun 16, 2021 IP: 2603:6080:a300:ed00:
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?







Subject:Re: What is this?
Posted By: Axel Sat, Jun 19, 2021
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

Subject:Re: What is this?
Posted By: Stephen Harris Sun, Jun 20, 2021
Axel, Thank you for your reply! The statue does have a smell like a dried shell, starfish, or beach sand.
Stephen

Subject:Re: What is this?
Posted By: Axel Sun, Jun 20, 2021
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.

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Subject:Re: What is this?
Posted By: Stephen Harris Mon, Jun 21, 2021
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

Subject:Re: What is this?
Posted By: Mark Adams Tue, Jun 22, 2021
Could be treated soapstone. If it is it should easily scratch. Does not look like wood.
Regards,
Mark@imperial

Subject:Re: What is this?
Posted By: Stephen E Harris Tue, Jun 22, 2021
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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