Alabaster Stone Grapes

VINTAGE CARVED ALABASTER STONE GRAPE CLUSTER WITH NATURAL WOOD STEM A vintage decorative grape cluster made of individually carved and polished stone grapes, wired together on a natural wood twig stem. The grapes are a creamy white to pale ivory with soft translucency, faint yellow-tan mineral veining, and the waxy polished surface typical of alabaster or onyx marble, each one slightly different in size, shape, and figure because they were carved and finished by hand. The cluster is assembled in the traditional way, with wires running through each grape and twisted into the gnarled twig stem, and dark adhesive is visible in a few places between the fruit. This is the classic mid-century stone fruit look, sold widely as tabletop decor from the 1950s through the 1970s and still popular for coffee tables, sideboards, bowls of mixed stone fruit, and grape-themed kitchens. It also makes a natural companion display piece for the Metlox Sculptured Grape dinnerware lots offered separately in this sale. The cluster has visible age wear, including a rough unpolished patch and dark inclusion on one grape, a small pit at the tip of another, tan staining in places, and dust and grit in the crevices. Sold as one cluster. Description One decorative grape cluster of approximately twenty to twenty-two individually carved stone grapes, wired together on a natural wood twig stem. Bidders should count the fruit from the photographs, as the grapes overlap and an exact count could not be confirmed. Material appears to be alabaster or onyx marble, white to cream with light yellow-tan veining and a polished waxy finish. The cluster measures approximately 5-1/2 inches long through the fruit and approximately 7 inches overall including the twig stem, standing roughly 3-1/2 inches tall as pictured. The tape hook is resting on the tabletop beside the cluster rather than hooked to it, and no separate height measurement was taken, so all figures are close estimates. Bidders should verify all dimensions from the photographs. No maker mark, label, foil sticker, or country-of-origin mark is visible anywhere on the piece, so none is claimed. The piece has real weight to it as carved stone; assume it is heavier than it looks for shipping purposes. Attribution note Decorative stone fruit of this type was produced in large quantities as mid-century tabletop decor, with alabaster and onyx marble carvings coming principally from Italy and from Mexico, and grape clusters typically assembled on a natural or stained wood stem with internal wire. Alabaster is a soft gypsum stone that takes a high polish but scratches and stains easily; onyx marble is a harder banded calcite. Without a mark and without testing, the exact stone and the country of origin cannot be determined from photographs, and the identification of the material here is offered as the consignor's photo-based opinion and is not guaranteed. Bid on the item as pictured. Condition Used vintage condition, sold as-is. One grape shows a distinct rough, unpolished chalky patch with a small dark mineral inclusion, visible in the close-up photograph, which may be a natural flaw in the stone or an area of surface loss. A small pit or hole is visible at the tip of the grape at the top of the cluster. Several grapes show faint tan and yellow staining and a few small nicks and dull spots where the polish has worn. Dark adhesive and wire are visible in the crevices between grapes, and there is dust and light grit in the tight spaces. The wood stem is dry, weathered, and shows small chips and losses to the bark. All grapes appear present and firmly attached in the photographs, with none loose or broken away, but the piece has not been examined under magnification and no such guarantee is made. Photos are part of the description. Notes for bidders Alabaster is porous and soft. Dust with a dry soft brush only; do not wash, soak, or use household cleaners, acids, or vinegar, which will etch and dull the surface. Keep it out of direct sun and off wet surfaces to avoid staining. Handle and carry the cluster by supporting the fruit from underneath rather than lifting by the twig stem, since the stem carries the wires. Pack heavy and pad each grape individually for transport. Only the piece pictured is included in this lot. Terms Sold as-is, where-is, with no warranty expressed or implied. All sales final. Please ask any questions before bidding. Buyer is responsible for pickup or shipping arrangements per auction terms.