Can anyone help steer me in the right direction

[dark_castle1]

to find out something about this ? It was described to me as an oriental soapstone figurine

I

[bidicus*maximus]

I'm no expert, but it looks rather crudely done, which can be an indication of lesser value.   The backwards "HISLOP" on the bottom is a Scottish surname... possibly the maker?  There used to be a pretty active board on eBay US that deals with antiques and art, you might check with them.  If the letters on the bottom are raised, it might be a stone version of a rubber stamp, since the letters are backwards, but this is pure guesswork on my part.

[suzieseaside]

Or perhaps a stamp for use with sealing wax, if it is small. There is nothing in the photo to indicate scale.
I have something similar that was given to my father when he worked in the Far East.
If you ask anywhere else I think it would be useful to give its dimensions.

[dark_castle1]

bidicus, I know Hislop is a Scottish name being a Scot myself, it can also be spelt Hyslop. That was one reason I came onto the board to ask as it seems odd having a backwards Scottish name carved into the underneath.

[dark_castle1]

Suzie, it is approx 8 cms in height with the oblong base measuring 4.75 cms x 2.75 cms with everything carved into the base.

[suzieseaside]

If you Google carved soapstone seal and look at images you will see various Chinese seals, some with smaller square bases, but there are some with rectangular bases. So my guess is that it is a large carved seal. Nice carving work too.