Hand Carved Duck Appraisal

Carved Wooden Duck Decoy or Sculpture

This item is a sculptural representation of a duck, likely carved from wood, exhibiting a stylized and somewhat abstract form. The primary color is a deep, iridescent dark green, possibly approaching black in certain lighting, which suggests a mallard drakecoloration. There are subtle variations in the green hue, suggesting hand-painting or a natural wood grain showing through a translucent stain. The head of the duck is slightly turned to the left, with an elongated neck that smoothly transitions into a simplified, block-like body. The beak is a contrasting light orange or yellow-ochre color, with a small black dot representing the nostril on each side. The eyes are indicated by small, recessed or carved indentations, also painted black, giving the duck a serene or observational expression. The surface appears to be glossy or semi-glossy, indicating a protective finish such as lacquer or varnish. There are no obvious visible markings such as maker's marks or signatures on the visible sides. The construction appears solid, carved from a single piece of wood or expertly joined. Some minor scuffs or dust specks might be present on the surface, consistent with display and handling, but no major cracks, chips, or repairs are immediately apparent. The craftsmanship suggests a folk art or decorative art piece, potentially a repurposed or decorative duck decoy, rather than a functional hunting decoy. Its smooth lines and simple form evoke a mid-20th-century aesthetic, but without specific markings, dating is approximate. The item rests on a light-colored wooden surface, beside what appears to be a small seashell, providing a sense of scale, though exact dimensions are not provided.