Painted Chalkware Appraisal

Vintage Chalkware Wall Hanging of Woman with Dog

This item is a vintage chalkware or plaster wall hanging depicting a woman's head in profile embracing a shaggy dog. The piece is rendered in a three-dimensional, relief style, designed to be mounted on a wall. The woman possesses a fair complexion with a soft, matte finish, possibly indicating unglazed chalkware or a similar material. Her facial features include closed eyes, blushed cheeks, and full, red lips sculpted into a 'kissing' or pouting expression. Her hair is styled in dark brown or black curls, framing her face and blending into the background. She is depicted wearing what appears to be a light brown or tan head covering or hat. Her hands, painted in a matching skin tone with subtle red nail polish, are gently cradling the dog. The dog is a shaggy breed, possibly a terrier, with textured fur indicated by sculpted lines and painted in shades of cream, beige, and dark brown, particularly around its snout and eyes. Its snout is dark, and its eyes are small, dark ovals, conveying a cute or playful expression. The overall color palette is muted, consisting of earthy tones, red accents for the lips and nails, and dark brown for the hair and some dog features. The craftsmanship appears to be a typical mass-produced style from the mid-20th century, consistent with chalkware or plaster art popular during that era. There are visible signs of wear, including possible paint loss, scuffs, and minor abrasions, which are common for items of this material and age. No specific maker's marks or signatures are discernible from the image. The estimated age is mid-20th century, likely 1940s-1960s, a period when decorative chalkware was widely produced.