Duck decoy - Rare and Antique Floating Duck 30 cm...

Exceptional antique floating hunting duck decoy, entirely hand-carved and richly hand-painted, dating from the first half of the 20th century, approximately 1920–1940. This particularly attractive example represents a stylised Mallard Drake, immediately recognisable by its deep green head and long orange bill. Rather than attempting a strictly naturalistic representation, the unknown craftsman decorated the bird in a wonderfully expressive European Folk Art manner. The body displays an unusually rich original polychrome decoration in green, deep red, blue, yellow, brown, black and cream, with individually painted dots, lines and feather-like motifs. The result is almost naïve or modernist in appearance and gives this decoy a remarkable sculptural and decorative presence. Of particular interest is its traditional hollow construction. The underside reveals that the wooden body was extensively hollowed out, considerably reducing its weight. Combined with its broad body and proportions, this strongly indicates that it was conceived as a functional floating hunting decoy, rather than merely as a later decorative wooden duck. The head and elongated bill are individually sculpted with considerable character. Small irregularities in the carving and painted decoration underline the handmade nature of the object. The surface retains its beautiful original aged patina. The paint shows natural wear, minor abrasions and small losses entirely consistent with age and use, but the colours remain remarkably vivid and give the piece exceptional visual appeal. No restorations are known or apparent. The decoy has deliberately not been repainted, refinished or artificially polished, preserving its authentic surface and historical character. Despite its age, the object remains very solid and well preserved, without serious structural defects. Details: Origin: Europe Period: approximately 1920–1940 Type: Floating hunting duck decoy Representation: Stylised Mallard Drake Style: European Hunting Folk Art Material: Wood Technique: Hand-carved, hollowed and hand-painted Dimensions: approx. 30 × 15 × 12 cm Condition: Very good antique condition Restoration: None apparent Surface: Original painted finish and authentic aged patina A particularly expressive example of early European hunting folk art, combining the historical interest of a genuine utilitarian decoy with the visual quality of a small piece of vernacular sculpture. Its hollow construction, vivid original polychrome decoration and beautifully preserved patina make it especially appealing today both to collectors of antique hunting memorabilia and to collectors of European Folk Art and sculptural decorative objects.

Estimation:€90

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