Cypress Knee Sculpture Appraisal

Hand-Carved Redwood Burl or Cypress Knee Sculpture Background

This item is a decorative wood sculpture, likely crafted from a redwood burl or a cypress knee, showcasing the rich, convoluted grain patterns characteristic of burl wood. The piece is finished with a high-gloss varnish or resin coating that amplifies its natural reddish-brown and amber hues. Measured as a medium-sized tabletop accent, its form is irregular and organic, possessing the knobby, swirling texture inherent to growth outcroppings found on specific tree species. Its craftsmanship highlights the raw, natural aesthetic popular in mid-to-late 20th-century folk art and souvenir woodcraft. Visible in a glass display cabinet, the sculpture appears to serve as a base or companion piece to a crystal or glass bird figurine mounted above it. The condition appears well-maintained with a consistent sheen, though minor surface dust is present. Notable features include the intricate 'eyes' and swirling knots within the wood, which provide a topographical quality to the surface. It likely dates from the 1970s to 1990s, a period when such organic wood art was highly sought after in Pacific Northwest and Coastal regions.