SOLD Elegant Inuit Carved Antler Bone Bird colorfully painted figures as it was so precisely

as it was so precisely done (oil on tin) I almost didn't believe it was a painting

as well as Southeast Asian--dating from ancient times to the early 20th century

it makes sense that there would be a tradition in Japan of carving toads like this one that could be carried in a pocket—and surely this lovely little one would bring good fortune wherever he goes

with a little wear to the old wood frame which I'd guess is about the same age

SOLD Elegant Inuit Carved Antler Bone Bird colorfully painted figures as it was so preciselyThis beautiful Inuit bird leans dramatically in one direction, so a bit of wax underneath its base might be useful to prevent tipping in the breeze. The tilt is the product of using the natural curve of the antler bone, Caribou antler I believe, as found, and then through minimal gestures giving shape to it as a bird, including the carving of two eyes for the head. I find it quite an elegant thing, which also feels to me like a pure embodiment of