I've seen a few miniature books carved of soapstone, and of course lots of Inuit sculpture, but I've never seen a house or a church or other sort of architectural structure as far as I know. This particular church feels close kin to the naive drawings of churches and houses and towns from long ago that I love so much, and with a compelling play of flatness and depth to it too, as if veering back and forth between drawing or sculpture. With a lot of care taken to the carving of the steeple, and then "1603" carved into the stone just about the front door, distinguishing this as a specific place it seems. Purchased from a New Hampshire dealer; perhaps Canadian, and definitely with some age to it, though I would think 20th century. Just right
5" t x 4 3/8" l x 1 1/8" d and in good condition, with scattered minor dings and scratches and irregularities, not at all detracting, and I think to the good. Stands up on its own.