Chinese soapstone? carving. What are they holding/doing?

At least I think it's soapstone, right?
What are these men doing or holding? Pipes?
I think this carving is pretty well done, do you agree?, Or am I wrong.
I can't find any other soapstone carvings like this one.
It's about 3 1/8" high x 4 1/4" wide.
Thanks for your time.

 

If it IS soapstone, it is one of the best I have ever seen. Usually soapstone carvings are a bit crude as the stone doesn't lend itself to "detail". Nice piece.

BTW - its not WHAT they are doing, it what they are GETTING READY to do.........

 

Thanks so much mansons! Much appreciated. I too think it is very good, but sometimes I can't tell good from bad when it comes to things like this. The stone is cold to the touch, and it's not the typical green tint that I see on a lot of soapstone, but I know it comes in other colors too.
Soooo....because I'm totally ignorant & air headed.....what are they about to do?
Thanks again

 

I really don't know, but there is a slight air of "anticipation" and "resignation" about them. As in "this is just between you and me, so.....". Even if they are just getting ready to share a fish, or something else common, the hand on the shoulder, the way they appear to be leaning toward each other, and their expressions lends an air of intimacy and interaction that is subtly, but definitely expressed. Very nice piece.

 

Opium smokers? Looks like the one has already partaken and his friend is supporting him. The quality is good but not the best. Could be older soapstone. Can you scratch/shave the bottom easily with a knife?

 

tobacco.....or maybe opium......



19th cent opium root carved pipe......so they say...

 

Well opium it is! Thanks Brad, Komokwa & Mansons!
Brad, I'm sort of afraid to try and scratch the bottom....I guess it wouldn't hurt, but should I?

 

Use a knife blade to go around the edge of the hole at an angle,if it soapstone it will only take material from the hole and not the base.

 

The base is wood, so that's a non-starter. The two are "sages" or wise men, judging from the shapes of their heads. I have a feeling it's some sort of resin; they don't glue the soapstone ones to the wooden bases.

 

Thanks so much Hollyblue & Evelyb.
I'm sorry I should have included this picture before. The base and figurine are 2 different pieces, not glued together. Definitely not resin. The little peg on the base, slips inside the hole. Hollyblue, do I still run a knife around the hole? How do I do that, and what to look for? Thanks again!

 

You can use an old stainless knife or spoon,put the end against the hole and gently spin the silverware.If it is soapstone it will grind off as a powder much like baby powder/talc.

 

Thanks again Hollyblue, that was easy! Yes it did come off a white powder. Thank you