Late 19th–Early 20th Century Indian Polychrome Carved Wood Horse

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Description

Hand-carved and hand-painted wooden horse from India, likely associated with the folk-art traditions of Rajasthan, dating to the late 19th … Read more Hand-carved and hand-painted wooden horse from India, likely associated with the folk-art traditions of Rajasthan, dating to the late 19th or early 20th century.

The horse is rendered in a highly stylized form with an elongated neck and head, painted bridle, black mane and tail, and a red saddlecloth decorated with floral motifs. Its warm palette of ochre, cream, red, olive and black has softened substantially with age, leaving a richly timeworn surface with extensive areas of exposed wood.

The irregular hand-cut feet, simple carved construction, age-related shrinkage and separation of the wood, and naturally worn painted surface all support an older handmade origin. The form and decoration are consistent with Indian folk and ceremonial horse traditions that continued from the 19th into the early 20th century.

A highly decorative piece with strong sculptural presence and an unusually expressive original surface.


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