Wooden Whale Buoy Ornament Appraisal

Hand-Painted Wooden Whale Buoy Ornament by P. Doyle NL

This item is a hand-painted wooden object, cylindrical in shape with rounded ends, resembling a stylized buoy, rolling pin, or a large, elongated bead. It is primarily painted with a marine-themed motif, specifically a large whale, likely a humpback or blue whale, depicted in dark grey and black tones with white accents for its baleen plates and speckled white markings suggesting water spray or barnacles. The background of the painting transitions from a light, almost yellowish-white on the left to a pale green or muted olive tone on the right, with faint white dots implying light or distant stars. The overall aesthetic suggests a folk art or nautical theme. The object itself appears to be made from a single piece of carved wood, providing a smooth, uniform surface for the painting. The paint strokes are visible, indicating a hand-painted application rather than a mass-produced print. The artist's signature, "P Doyle NL," is visible on the left side of the object, partially obscured by the hand holding it. "NL" likely refers to Newfoundland, given the reference in the context. The condition appears good, with no overt signs of damage such as chips, cracks, or significant paint loss. There might be some minor scuffs, but the overall integrity of the painted surface seems well-preserved. A natural twine or jute string is attached to one end, suggesting it is intended for hanging as an ornament or decorative piece. The craftsmanship, while not hyper-realistic, indicates a skilled hand in capturing the essence of the whale. The rounded edges and smooth finish suggest a certain level of care in its creation. This piece likely dates from the late 20th to early 21st century, consistent with contemporary folk art and souvenir items from maritime regions.