Carved Wood Swan Decoy

This item is a decorative hand-carved swan decoy, crafted from a light-toned wood showing high-quality, tight vertical grain patterns consistent with cedar or similar coniferous species. The piece features a gracefully curved neck in a 'tucked' or 'swimming' position, with a stylized head that includes a dark-painted beak and small, dark eye indentations. The construction reveals a distinctive horizontal seam running through the center of the body, indicating the hollow-core construction typically used in working decoys to ensure buoyancy and prevent cracking. The wood is finished with a smooth, matte or satin transparent coating that emphasizes the natural aesthetic. While it shares the form of a working decoy, its pristine surface and lacks of heavy weather-beating suggest it was likely intended for decorative use or is a contemporary artist's piece. The craftsmanship is refined, with smooth transitions between the neck and body and a neatly tapered tail. Visible condition is excellent, showing minimal wear, no significant checking or structural cracks common in older carvings, and a clean, uniform patina. This style of carving is representative of late 20th-century folk art inspired by traditional North American waterfowl decoys.

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