The rare wood carved bust measures just under a large 20 inches tall and is approximately 17 inches across the base from shoulder to shoulder. When placed on a table for display, the combination of size and subject has a truly stunning presence. Perhaps some form of Trade Display Sign e. The shoulders appear to be carved from multiple pieces of wood and then assembled.
The head down to the bottom of the base is all one piece, with the shoulders added on. I assume the hat was carved separate and added on to the head (not sure). While some of the paint is missing, much of it remains and the black paint for the skin is clearly present and is different from the brown V-neck of what would represent the shirt. There are some chunks of wood missing from the shoulders on the back and there are 2 cracks in the hat and a small piece missing in the front. This is a very old carving and has expected signs of age, but looks great overall like an antique should look. The high relief nature of this uniquely carved piece and the color of the hat and base paint (reddish brown) makes the loss of paint in parts of the face eyes, etc. Far less noticeable as this piece of art seems to just pop and stand out anywhere. With the multiple parts used for the shoulders, it looks like the gentleman is wearing suspenders from overalls. Natural wear and the paint loss/chips in many of the areas throughout the bust make these areas pop even more for very distinct and noticeable features. Don't miss this opportunity to acquire this rare piece of Folk Art. You will unlikely ever see one like this again. EARLY FOLK ART AFRICAN AMERICAN ANTIQUE CARVED WOOD BUST SCULPTURE" is in sale since Monday, June 12, 2017. This item is in the category "Collectibles\Cultures & Ethnicities\Black Americana\Figures & Sculptures".The seller is "kate_max" and is located in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. This item can be shipped to United States.