Stone Carved Tiger on a Wooden Base (Unmarked)

Handcrafted Tiger Figurine on Wooden Base

Item Description

This is a detailed handcrafted figurine of a Bengal tiger mounted on an oval-shaped wooden base. The piece is rendered in a realistic style, with well-defined features including the face, ears, nose, eyes, and muscular body, capturing the majestic and poised stance of the tiger mid-stride. The figurine appears to be hand-painted with naturalistic tones and patterns replicating an actual tiger’s coat.

Specifications

• Material: Believed to be hand-carved composite stone (possibly resin with stone powder) and hand-painted. The texture and coloration are not consistent with carved natural stone such as soapstone or alabaster.
• Base: Compressed wood/MDF with signs of wear; originally likely had felt or velvet on the underside, now missing.
• Weight: 1448g / 3.2 lbs
• Dimensions: 12" L x 6.5" H x 3.25" W
• Condition: Excellent with minor wear, particularly along the back where some surface flaking or dust accumulation is visible.

Distinguishing Features

• Realistic hand-painted detail on the face and body
• Mounted on a textured faux-stone base
• No visible maker’s mark, signature, or label—making identification more difficult
• Wear on the bottom suggests age and handling, possibly vintage (1990s–early 2000s)

History & Origin

Based on the style and materials, this tiger figurine was likely mass-produced but hand-finished. These types of sculptures were commonly sold in gift stores, nature-themed decor shops, or via collectible catalogs in the 1980s to early 2000s. They often mimic higher-end stone sculptures while being made of durable resin or cast stone composite.

Although acquired from a local antique store, the lack of a maker’s mark and the materials used suggest it was not originally a fine-art gallery piece, but a decorative collectible item. There were several manufacturers in the U.S. and Asia (particularly China and Taiwan) that produced similar items under various brand names such as United Design, Nature’s Gallery, or Animal Kingdom.

Estimated Market Value (as of 2025)

• Current Value: $45–$85 USD
• Retail Replacement (Decor/Gift Shop): $100–$125 USD
• Auction/Estate Sale Value: $30–$60 USD depending on condition and buyer interest
• Note: Higher values possible if tied to a known maker or part of a retired collectible series.

Authentication

Due to the lack of any maker’s markings and its composite material, this item is not considered a one-of-a-kind studio piece or antique in the fine art or high collectible sense. However, its craftsmanship, condition, and aesthetic make it a desirable piece for collectors of wildlife figurines or animal-themed home décor.

Recommendations

If you wish to determine the exact maker or increase its value for resale or insurance:

• Compare to marked versions from brands like United Design Corp., Austin Sculpture, or Franklin Mint.
• Consult a professional appraiser who specializes in 20th-century decorative art or wildlife sculpture collectibles.
• Monitor sites like eBay, Etsy, or WorthPoint for identical or similar tiger figurines using reverse image search or descriptive keyword combinations.