Inuit Soapstone Carving, Presumed A Very Sweet Dog deer in undergrowth in big stylized letters

in big stylized letters

I have not attempted to polish it but it would probably shine up some if desired

I am fairly certain this lovely small Japanese lacquer on papier mache box dates to Meiji period

I don't know a ton about the history of photography

starting in the 1940s

Inuit Soapstone Carving, Presumed A Very Sweet Dog deer in undergrowth in big stylized lettersTo my knowledge this seems a fairly unusual Inuit carving, looking to me like a domestic dog (though definitely with some seal like attributes, too!) I assume the band around the neck is a collar, with sock like front paws to match, and then this super sweet face, gentle looking face, with small ears and head turned toward one side in what feels like a gesture of curiosity as well, perhaps, as an eagerness to be pet! Very charming. 3 5 8" l x 2 1 16"