Duck decoy - Rare and Antique Floating Duck 30 cm - Carved & Polychrome Painted – European Folk Art – c. - Wood
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European wood, a 30 cm multicoloured floating hunting duck decoy dating to circa 1930–1940, in good condition with original paint.
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Description from the seller
Exceptional antique floating hunting duck decoy, entirely hand-carved and richly hand-painted, dating from the first half of the 20th century, approximately 1920–1940.
This particularly attractive example represents a stylised Mallard Drake, immediately recognisable by its deep green head and long orange bill. Rather than attempting a strictly naturalistic representation, the unknown craftsman decorated the bird in a wonderfully expressive European Folk Art manner.
The body displays an unusually rich original polychrome decoration in green, deep red, blue, yellow, brown, black and cream, with individually painted dots, lines and feather-like motifs. The result is almost naïve or modernist in appearance and gives this decoy a remarkable sculptural and decorative presence.
Of particular interest is its traditional hollow construction. The underside reveals that the wooden body was extensively hollowed out, considerably reducing its weight. Combined with its broad body and proportions, this strongly indicates that it was conceived as a functional floating hunting decoy, rather than merely as a later decorative wooden duck.
The head and elongated bill are individually sculpted with considerable character. Small irregularities in the carving and painted decoration underline the handmade nature of the object.
The surface retains its beautiful original aged patina. The paint shows natural wear, minor abrasions and small losses entirely consistent with age and use, but the colours remain remarkably vivid and give the piece exceptional visual appeal.
No restorations are known or apparent. The decoy has deliberately not been repainted, refinished or artificially polished, preserving its authentic surface and historical character.
Despite its age, the object remains very solid and well preserved, without serious structural defects.
Details:
Origin: Europe
Period: approximately 1920–1940
Type: Floating hunting duck decoy
Representation: Stylised Mallard Drake
Style: European Hunting Folk Art
Material: Wood
Technique: Hand-carved, hollowed and hand-painted
Dimensions: approx. 30 × 15 × 12 cm
Condition: Very good antique condition
Restoration: None apparent
Surface: Original painted finish and authentic aged patina
A particularly expressive example of early European hunting folk art, combining the historical interest of a genuine utilitarian decoy with the visual quality of a small piece of vernacular sculpture.
Its hollow construction, vivid original polychrome decoration and beautifully preserved patina make it especially appealing today both to collectors of antique hunting memorabilia and to collectors of European Folk Art and sculptural decorative objects.
Seller's Story
Archivio51 is a business specializing in the research, selection and sale of vintage, design and collectible objects, chosen for their authenticity, aesthetic quality, history and character.
The selection mainly includes interior complements and decorative objects, vintage lighting, globes and maps, perpetual desk calendars, pharmacy and apothecary items, display mannequins and busts, walking sticks, objects in bronze, brass, marble, onyx and wood, industrial and workshop items, signs, decorative containers and other small collectible items.
Each piece is individually researched and selected, with particular attention to its period, provenance, materials, craftsmanship, original patina and condition. When possible, the object is also studied and contextualized to reconstruct its history, era and function.
Archivio51 operates primarily through online sales platforms, addressing collectors, vintage and design enthusiasts, interior designers and international clients seeking original and uncommon objects.
The goal is not merely to sell used objects, but to bring pieces with a story back to light and give them a new place, preserving their identity, charm and authenticity.
Archivio51 – Selection of uncommon, timeless objects.
Translated by Google TranslateExceptional antique floating hunting duck decoy, entirely hand-carved and richly hand-painted, dating from the first half of the 20th century, approximately 1920–1940.
This particularly attractive example represents a stylised Mallard Drake, immediately recognisable by its deep green head and long orange bill. Rather than attempting a strictly naturalistic representation, the unknown craftsman decorated the bird in a wonderfully expressive European Folk Art manner.
The body displays an unusually rich original polychrome decoration in green, deep red, blue, yellow, brown, black and cream, with individually painted dots, lines and feather-like motifs. The result is almost naïve or modernist in appearance and gives this decoy a remarkable sculptural and decorative presence.
Of particular interest is its traditional hollow construction. The underside reveals that the wooden body was extensively hollowed out, considerably reducing its weight. Combined with its broad body and proportions, this strongly indicates that it was conceived as a functional floating hunting decoy, rather than merely as a later decorative wooden duck.
The head and elongated bill are individually sculpted with considerable character. Small irregularities in the carving and painted decoration underline the handmade nature of the object.
The surface retains its beautiful original aged patina. The paint shows natural wear, minor abrasions and small losses entirely consistent with age and use, but the colours remain remarkably vivid and give the piece exceptional visual appeal.
No restorations are known or apparent. The decoy has deliberately not been repainted, refinished or artificially polished, preserving its authentic surface and historical character.
Despite its age, the object remains very solid and well preserved, without serious structural defects.
Details:
Origin: Europe
Period: approximately 1920–1940
Type: Floating hunting duck decoy
Representation: Stylised Mallard Drake
Style: European Hunting Folk Art
Material: Wood
Technique: Hand-carved, hollowed and hand-painted
Dimensions: approx. 30 × 15 × 12 cm
Condition: Very good antique condition
Restoration: None apparent
Surface: Original painted finish and authentic aged patina
A particularly expressive example of early European hunting folk art, combining the historical interest of a genuine utilitarian decoy with the visual quality of a small piece of vernacular sculpture.
Its hollow construction, vivid original polychrome decoration and beautifully preserved patina make it especially appealing today both to collectors of antique hunting memorabilia and to collectors of European Folk Art and sculptural decorative objects.
Seller's Story
Archivio51 is a business specializing in the research, selection and sale of vintage, design and collectible objects, chosen for their authenticity, aesthetic quality, history and character.
The selection mainly includes interior complements and decorative objects, vintage lighting, globes and maps, perpetual desk calendars, pharmacy and apothecary items, display mannequins and busts, walking sticks, objects in bronze, brass, marble, onyx and wood, industrial and workshop items, signs, decorative containers and other small collectible items.
Each piece is individually researched and selected, with particular attention to its period, provenance, materials, craftsmanship, original patina and condition. When possible, the object is also studied and contextualized to reconstruct its history, era and function.
Archivio51 operates primarily through online sales platforms, addressing collectors, vintage and design enthusiasts, interior designers and international clients seeking original and uncommon objects.
The goal is not merely to sell used objects, but to bring pieces with a story back to light and give them a new place, preserving their identity, charm and authenticity.
Archivio51 – Selection of uncommon, timeless objects.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Era
1900-2000
Number of objects
1
Style
Pop Art
Title
Rare and Antique Floating Duck 30 cm - Carved & Polychrome Painted – European Folk Art – c.
Country of origin
Europe
Material
Wood
Colour
Multicolour
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes
Height
15 cm
Width
30 cm
Depth
12 cm
Estimated period
1930-1940
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