A really interesting form of American folk art is in carved stone books. Usually in marble or alabaster or limestone they were usually done as a presentation piece for someone. In the current issue of the Maine Antique Digest Mr. Ian Berke shares his knowledge and part of his amazing collection. My neighbor Ginny has two incredible examples that have not been seen since she found them in 1976.
The first one is carved in shale and meets about 5 of the characteristics Mr. Berke uses to evaluate rarity and desirability.
1. It was done by a woman or girl.
2. Signed with complete name.
3. Dated
4. Spine is decorated with Holy Bible
5. It contains clasped hands, dove with ribbon and
saying "A Token of Love".
It is charcoal gray and monochromatic so difficult to photograph. It is available for purchase here.
The second stone book we are offering is a more typical upper Midwest limestone example. It is carved with a pear, leaves and french curved decorative lines. The other side is a bunch of grapes, leaves and french curved lines. The spine has french curve decorations. The carvings are particularly bold. It is available for purchase here.
Below is Mr. Berkes article in the Maine Antique digest.
The first one is carved in shale and meets about 5 of the characteristics Mr. Berke uses to evaluate rarity and desirability.
1. It was done by a woman or girl.
2. Signed with complete name.
3. Dated
4. Spine is decorated with Holy Bible
5. It contains clasped hands, dove with ribbon and
saying "A Token of Love".
It is charcoal gray and monochromatic so difficult to photograph. It is available for purchase here.
The second stone book we are offering is a more typical upper Midwest limestone example. It is carved with a pear, leaves and french curved decorative lines. The other side is a bunch of grapes, leaves and french curved lines. The spine has french curve decorations. The carvings are particularly bold. It is available for purchase here.
Below is Mr. Berkes article in the Maine Antique digest.
