Figure carving, RARE 8-Piece Set Sicilian Cart Fragments (Chiave di Carretto) - Hand-Carved Wood - 34.5 cm - Wood
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Current bid
€ 150
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Selected by Francisco Álvarez
Acquired extensive antiques knowledge through renovation works and running own antiques shop.
Estimate € 800 - € 1,200
 | €150 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €2 | |
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Eight hand-carved, polychrome wooden chiave di carretto elements from Sicily, Italy, dating to circa 1920–1930, measuring 34.5 cm by 4.5 cm by 3 cm and weighing 500 g, in fair condition with original pigments and signs of age.
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Description from the seller
Description:
An exceptional 8-piece ensemble of authentic, hand-carved, and polychrome painted wooden elements from a traditional Sicilian cart (Carretto Siciliano), dating back to the iconic interbellum period (circa 1920–1930).
This collection features the decorative components of the axle assembly (chiave di carretto), masterfully sculpted with expressively detailed faces of chivalric paladins from the legendary Opera dei Pupi folklore. The set is beautifully preserved as a matching group and includes the main structural carved block, the two long main keys, and 5 smaller ornamental locking pins (pinnuncula).
All pieces showcase their original matte polychrome paint remains in characteristic green, red, and yellow pigments, with a stunning aged patina and authentic mechanical wear from historical road use.
• Period: 1920–1930 (Interwar period)Origin: Sicily, ItalyMaterial: Hand-carved hardwood with original polychrome pigmentsPieces: 8 totalDimensions:Main structural block: 18 x 5.5 x 5 cmLong main keys (2 pcs): Approx. 34.5 x 4.5 x 3 cm eachMedium locking pins (2 pcs): Approx. 15.5 x 3.5 cm eachSmall locking pins (3 pcs): Approx. 10.5 x 3.5 cm eachCondition: Good antique condition with a beautiful aged patina, dry cracks, and wear consistent with age and genuine historical use (see detailed photos).
Description:
An exceptional 8-piece ensemble of authentic, hand-carved, and polychrome painted wooden elements from a traditional Sicilian cart (Carretto Siciliano), dating back to the iconic interbellum period (circa 1920–1930).
This collection features the decorative components of the axle assembly (chiave di carretto), masterfully sculpted with expressively detailed faces of chivalric paladins from the legendary Opera dei Pupi folklore. The set is beautifully preserved as a matching group and includes the main structural carved block, the two long main keys, and 5 smaller ornamental locking pins (pinnuncula).
All pieces showcase their original matte polychrome paint remains in characteristic green, red, and yellow pigments, with a stunning aged patina and authentic mechanical wear from historical road use.
• Period: 1920–1930 (Interwar period)Origin: Sicily, ItalyMaterial: Hand-carved hardwood with original polychrome pigmentsPieces: 8 totalDimensions:Main structural block: 18 x 5.5 x 5 cmLong main keys (2 pcs): Approx. 34.5 x 4.5 x 3 cm eachMedium locking pins (2 pcs): Approx. 15.5 x 3.5 cm eachSmall locking pins (3 pcs): Approx. 10.5 x 3.5 cm eachCondition: Good antique condition with a beautiful aged patina, dry cracks, and wear consistent with age and genuine historical use (see detailed photos).
Details
Era
1900-2000
Country of origin
Italy
Material
Wood
Title of artwork
RARE 8-Piece Set Sicilian Cart Fragments (Chiave di Carretto) - Hand-Carved Wood
Signature
Not signed
Colour
Multicolour
Condition
Fair condition
Height
34.5 cm
Width
4.5 cm
Depth
3 cm
Weight
500 g
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