Vintage Mid-Century Thorn Arts Canada Faux Soapstone Seal

The pale grey Harp or Harbor seal is likely made from a crushed stone and resin composite, often referred to as faux soapstone or "cast stone". While the piece is made in the style of Inuit art, Thorn Arts Ltd. (and its founder, Philip Thornburg) was not an Inuit-owned or Indigenous-led company. These figurines were molded reproductions sold in Canadian gift shops, not one-of-a-kind pieces hand carved by an Inuit artist. The piece is marked "© THORN," which identifies it as a commercial product. It is a charming collectible from an age when people bought and displayed souvenirs and travel momentos or gave them as gifts. The seal has no cracks or flaws. It has natural variations in the cast stone and was made in Canada. It stands about 2 1/4 inches tall and measures 4 inches in length.