Hand-Carved Decorative Duck Decoy by Robert Capriola

This is a finely crafted, hand-carved decorative wooden duck decoy depicting a hen mallard. The piece is attributed to the California carver Robert Capriola, known for his lifelike yet stylized interpretations of waterfowl. The decoy is carved from a solid block of wood, likely cedar or tupelo, featuring a smooth, rounded body and a detailed head with a tapered bill. The surface exhibits exceptional paintwork, where fine, uniform feather ticking and brushstrokes create a textured 'vermiculated' appearance across the back and sides. Notable features include the subtle transition of brown and earthy tones, accented by a small splash of blue-green paint on the speculum of the wing, outlined in white. The carving displays a classic 'hunting style' form with a sleek, low profile. The condition appears excellent with a rich, warm patina; there are no visible major cracks, chips, or paint loss, suggesting it was kept as a decorative indoor piece rather than used as a functional hunting rig. The craftsmanship is high-quality, characterized by the harmonious balance between the natural wood grain and the applied decorative finish, typical of late 20th-century contemporary folk art decoys.