Duck decoy - Vintage Folk Art Duck Decoy – Hand-Carved...

Beautiful and highly decorative vintage wooden duck sculpture, entirely hand-carved and individually hand-painted, inspired by the traditional wooden waterfowl decoys historically used for hunting. Dating approximately from the 1960s–1980s, this particularly attractive example stands out for the quality and richness of its craftsmanship. Unlike the simpler forms normally associated with functional hunting decoys, the bird has been given an unusually elaborate sculptural treatment. Particularly striking are the separately carved, overlapping wing feathers, which create considerable depth and give the sculpture an almost three-dimensional plumage. The hand-painted decoration is equally appealing. Warm shades of brown, ochre, golden yellow, black, grey and red are combined with finely executed linear feather patterns across the breast and body. The visible brushwork and slight irregularities of the carving clearly reveal its artisanal character. The bird appears to be a stylised interpretation of a duck, probably inspired by the Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) rather than a strictly zoological representation. Its colourful plumage and exaggerated feather details were evidently intended to enhance its decorative presence. The underside retains a simple dark-painted finish, while the overall construction and elaborate treatment suggest that this example was primarily conceived as a decorative Folk Art object inspired by traditional hunting decoys, rather than as a purely utilitarian floating decoy. It remains in very good vintage condition, with attractive signs of age and minor surface wear consistent with its handcrafted nature and period. The original character of the carving and painted decoration has been preserved. Dimensions: approx. 29 × 14 × 10 cm Material: carved wood Technique: hand-carved and hand-painted Subject: stylised duck, probably Mallard-inspired Period: circa 1960–1980 Style: Folk Art / traditional hunting-decoy inspired A wonderfully decorative piece with considerable character, particularly suitable for collectors of Folk Art, vintage animal sculptures, hunting-related objects and traditional wooden decoys.

Estimate:$100.83

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