Decoy Sculpture Appraisal

Hand-Carved Wooden Sandpiper Decoy Sculpture

This is a hand-carved wooden sculpture depicting a sandpiper or a similar shorebird, presented as a decorative decoy. The bird itself is carved from wood, likely a light-colored timber, and features a slender, elongated body with a graceful, downward-curved neck and head, suggesting it is foraging or observing. Its coloration consists of shades of gray and brown on the back and wings, with subtle lighter tones on the belly section. The paint application appears to be somewhat textured, characteristic of folk art or artisanal craftsmanship, with visible brushstrokes and perhaps some intentional scratching or carving to simulate feather texture, particularly noticeable on the wing areas and the tail. The eyes are small, dark, and set flush with the head. A long, thin, black-painted bill extends from the head. The bird is mounted on a thin, light-colored wooden dowel, which is then inserted into a rustic-looking wooden base. The base is an irregularly shaped, roughly cut piece of wood with visible bark on its edges, giving it a natural, unfinished appearance. The overall condition appears good, with no obvious signs of significant damage, cracks, or repairs from the visible angles. The wood grain is ascertainable on the base and potentially beneath the paint on the bird's body. The 'WEX' engraving on the bottom of the base, as noted, is a significant distinguishing mark, likely representing the artist's or carver's initials or a fabrication mark. The style suggests it could be a 20th-century piece, possibly mid to late 20th century, consistent with traditional decoy carving aesthetics. Its craftsmanship leans towards a decorative art piece while retaining the functional form of a decoy.