Stoneware Figural Sculpture Appraisal

Full-Body Stoneware Figural Sculpture, 'Boy with Curly Hair'

This is a custom full-body stoneware figural sculpture depicting a young boy or male figure. The piece features a stylized human form with a dark brown or reddish-brown skin tone. The head is round, with small, subtly defined facial features, including closed eyes and a small mouth. A prominent feature is the realistic, textured black curly hair, appearing sculpted in numerous individual strands, which hangs over the forehead. The figure is dressed in casual attire: a plain white short-sleeved t-shirt with a slightly oversized fit, textured to mimic fabric, and bright red shorts with a white drawstring tied in a bow at the waist. The arms are relatively short and stout, with the right arm (viewer's left) displaying what appears to be a black tattoo design, possibly lettering or a stylized motif, covering a significant portion of the forearm. The legs are sturdy, transitioning into white, chunky, high-top-style shoes or boots, worn over black ankle socks. The visible texture throughout suggests a hand-crafted approach, likely sculpted from clay and then fired, possibly with a matte glaze or paint finish. The white of the shirt and shoes, and the red shorts, appear to have a somewhat rough, textured finish, suggesting brushstrokes or the natural texture of the underlying stoneware. The overall condition appears good with no obvious chips, cracks, or significant damage; however, the textured surfaces might naturally hide minor imperfections. Based on the contemporary clothing and tattoo detail, the piece likely dates from the late 20th century to the present day, perhaps within the last two decades. The craftsmanship, while appearing somewhat 'folksy' or naive, also possesses a clear artistic intention and unique character, suggesting a custom or artist-made piece rather than mass production. The construction is solid and self-supporting, designed to stand upright.