Beautifully carved, and an interesting play of dark against an almost walnut stain in the carving creating a fine framework into which this duck or game bird, water fowl, is hung, awaiting the meal prep. This "fruits of the hunt" theme is not a celebration of death, but a prayer of thanksgiving for provision of the bird and fruit carved - a successful hunt and a sustaining meal to be had. These carvings are reverent, beautiful, wonderful on kitchen walls as well as cabin or lodge. These are hung in both of my homes, kitchen/keeping room, and it's not just my Swiss heritage that draws me to them - they truly are fine sculptures created some 150 years ago, in the case of this one, by very talented carvers. This one is 16" long, 10.5" widest and is a deep bas relief illusion that extends from the wall not much more than 2" deepest.
Very good to excellent condition, a unique presentation by this carver, the crest and framing in lighter stain for contrast, and the duck and fruit dark and rich. If there's a chip somewhere, I haven't found it. As if it were hung in 1860 and just lately taken from a wall. Is that a duck or another form of game hen?
