Elegant Inuit Carved Stone Polar Bear lidded box “Tommy Ruthven

“Tommy Ruthven

with a lot of years on it

1950s work inspired by ancient Cretian image

and would take some work to get apart

with Fornasetti mark on reverse

Elegant Inuit Carved Stone Polar Bear lidded box “Tommy RuthvenAnother beautifully minimal Inuit carving, this one reminding me some of the work of Andy Miki (1918 1983; Arviat) in its graceful lines and elongated head (I've included one photo for reference) as well as in the light gray stone. It also shares a spirit I think with small 19th century Inuit tusk carved amulets from the Bering Sea area. To me it really feels as if walking very softly over ice, very gentle, and with a lovely, serene presence. 4 7 16"