Handmade Gourd Art Appraisal

Gold-Painted Gourd Ornament or Decorative Item

The item appears to be a decorative object, possibly a gourd or a gourd-shaped ornament, finished with a metallic gold paint. It has an ovoid or teardrop shape, wider at the bottom and tapering towards a narrower neck at the top. The surface is not perfectly smooth, suggesting a natural material like a dried gourd or a molded material designed to mimic one. The gold finish is somewhat uneven and shows signs of wear, particularly around the sides and edges, where patches of a lighter underlying material (possibly a whitish primer or natural gourd color) are visible. There are also several small, scattered white flecks, which could be paint loss or dust accumulation. At the bottom, there is a distinct impressed marking that reads "603", which likely indicates a model number, serial number, or a batch identification. The top features a small, round, knob-like protrusion, which could be the stem of a gourd, a finial, or an attachment point for a hanging mechanism, although no such mechanism is visible. The craftsmanship appears to be folk art or mass-produced decorative item quality, rather than fine art. The style suggests it could be from the mid-20th century onwards, aiming for a rustic yet opulent aesthetic. The item's primary function is likely decorative, perhaps as part of a seasonal display or general home decor. The overall condition suggests moderate wear consistent with age and handling.