A pair of hand-carved soapstone bookends, each featuring a detailed motif of chrysanthemums and birds. The bookends are carved in high relief, depicting a floral arrangement spilling from a footed rectangular planter. A small bird is perched amongst the trailing leaves and blossoms. The carving is set against a solid rectangular stone slab with a flat, uncarved reverse. The material is a mottled tan and ochre soapstone with a waxy luster and visible dark mineral inclusions throughout. The lower section of each piece features a base with decorative openwork cutouts. No maker's marks, signatures, labels, or country-of-origin stamps are visible on any surface of the items.Measurements/notes: Pair; 5 x 6 in.