Carved Wooden Shorebird Decoy On Stand Appraisal

Carved Wooden Shorebird Decoy on Stand

This item is a carved wooden decoy or decorative sculpture depicting a shorebird, likely a curlew or godwit, mounted on a wooden stand. The bird's body is elongated with a distinct, long, downward-curving black beak. The head and neck are painted in a reddish-brown or fawn color, transitioning to a lighter, possibly off-white or light tan, mid-section of the body. The back and wings are primarily dark, likely black or very dark brown, with prominent cream or light tan streaks or markings, suggesting feather patterns. The eyes are small and appear to be painted circles of a darker color, possibly black, with a lighter ring around them. The carving displays a relatively smooth finish, indicative of a certain level of craftsmanship. The bird is attached to a dark, slender metal rod that is inserted into a rectangular, rough-hewn block of wood, serving as the base. The base itself appears weathered, featuring visible wood grain and some surface irregularities, consistent with aged wood. There are no readily visible maker's marks or signatures from the provided image. The overall style suggests a folk art or traditional decoy carving aesthetic, possibly from the mid-20th century or later, designed for decorative purposes rather than hunting. The condition appears good for its type, with some minor wear or natural aging expected on the painted surfaces and wooden base. The simplicity of its construction and hand-painted details suggest a handcrafted piece.