Wooden Folk Art Appraisal

Folk Art Carved Wooden Figure with Provenance Tag

The item is a small, carved wooden figure, likely depicting a human or humanoid form, mounted on a dark, possibly wooden, rectangular base. The figure appears to be crudely carved, suggesting a folk art origin. It exhibits a highly distressed and aged surface, with significant loss of original finish or paint, revealing the raw wood beneath. The dominant colors visible are varied shades of brown and off-white/light gray, indicative of aged wood and remnants of gesso or paint. The figure's construction appears solid, with simplified anatomical features. While details of the front are not visible, the back shows a relatively flat surface where a long, rectangular paper provenance tag has been affixed. This tag is a critical feature, handwritten with 'S-VI' in a green box at the top, and further typewritten or printed details below it. Some text is partially legible: 'The House of M. H. . . .' and a numerical sequence '1130-C. M. . . . No. 39-C.' followed by more illegible text. The paper itself is aged and discolored, suggesting considerable time has passed since its attachment. The legs of the figure are visible below the tag, showing more of the distressed finish and wear. The overall condition suggests advanced age, with numerous chips, cracks, and heavy patination consistent with exposure and handling over decades, if not centuries. The craftsmanship is simple, emphasizing form over refined detail, which is characteristic of many folk art pieces. The dark base provides stability and contrasts with the lighter tones of the figure.