Carved Bird Art Appraisal

Hand-Carved Wood Bird Figure on Base

This item is a hand-carved wooden bird figure mounted on a natural wood block base. The bird itself appears to be carved from a single piece of wood, exhibiting a stylized, somewhat abstract form of a small bird. Its body is painted dark gray or black, with a contrasting lighter, yellowish-tan paint on the breast, neck, and head area. Small, likely painted, black or dark brown dots represent the eyes. The beak is a distinct feature, appearing to be a separate, slender black metal or wooden dowel inserted into the head, indicating a simple yet effective method of adding detail. The paint shows evidence of wear, particularly on the darker areas, where small specks and chips reveal the lighter wood beneath, suggesting either intentional distressing for a folk art aesthetic or natural aging and handling. There are no discernible maker's marks or signatures visible from the provided images. The bird is attached to its base via a thin, dark-colored metal rod or wire, which is inserted into the underside of the bird and then into the top of the base. The base itself is a roughly cut, irregularly shaped piece of natural wood, possibly a section of a small log or branch, featuring visible wood grain and a prominent crack running through it, indicative of natural drying or imperfect curing of the wood. The overall aesthetic is rustic and handcrafted, suggesting a folk art or decorative tabletop item. Its estimated age, given the style and apparent wear, could range from mid-20th century to contemporary folk art. The craftsmanship is simple but effective in conveying the bird form, and the wear adds character and a sense of history.