Hand-Carved Folk Art Hound Dog Figurine

This is a hand-carved wooden figurine of a hound dog in a tracking or scenting pose. The item is characterized by its intentional 'whittled' aesthetic, featuring prominent, planar knife facets across the entire surface rather than a smooth finish. It appears to be carved from a single piece of medium-density wood, likely basswood or pine, which is common for this type of folk art. The color palette consists of variegated warm tones, including ochre on the legs and snout, transitioning to deep russet and burnt sienna on the torso and long, drooping ears. A carved and painted orange collar serves as a distinct decorative element near the neck. The dog's tail is elongated and curved upward in a jaunty 'sickle' shape, while its head is bowed low to the ground. In terms of condition, the piece shows some minor wood fibers fraying at the edges of the facets and tips of the ears, which is typical for aged softwood carvings. There is a slight patina of dust in the deeper recesses of the carving. The craftsmanship suggests a 20th-century folk art style, possibly American or European in origin, emphasizing character and movement over anatomical realism. No visible maker's marks are identifiable in this view, but the confident, large-chip carving technique indicates a practiced artisan.