Circa 1930s American Chalkware 'Wise Owl' Figurines / Bookends

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Impressive pair of circa 1930s American painted chalkware 'wise owl' bookends / figures. Wonderful representation, each with an owl perched … Read more Impressive pair of circa 1930s American painted chalkware 'wise owl' bookends / figures. Wonderful representation, each with an owl perched on a stack of books. These figurines date back as far as the 1800s and were often used as carnival prizes. Chalkware is composed of plaster of Paris (a mold, in this example). Since it is unfired, unlike a glaze, its colors are exposed, and the coatings offer little protection. Hence, these pieces are easy chipped / broken, given the fragile quality of materials. Wear is accepted and expected with pieces of this material.
In this case, there is flaking / chipping that is not as pronounced, since the base color is cream, and the flaking only reveals the white plaster beneath.
We have many chalkware animals and figurines from the 19th and 20th centuries listed separately, so check out our other items. See less