Vintage American Folk Art Lg. Carved Wood Fruit Sculpture Centerpiece c 1930-60s
This possibly unique American folk art masterpiece is composed of numerous carved and painted fruits that are somewhat improbably arranged. A Tramp Art style wooden compote. This amazing folk sculpture seems to have been inspired by Early American theorems on velvet and watercolors depicting similar subject matter from the 1830’s-60’s. This piece and those earlier works of art imply a sense of domestic utopian abundance. The fruit are carved and painted pine that are solidly glued in an arrangement atop a compote composed of concentric rings of plywood of increasing diameter that are glued together and stained and varnished in an alternating pattern. In the middle of the fruit is a small green fruit with a drilled out top which. A candle holder (see photos). Was found in Alamogordo, New Mexico and may have been made in this region. This remarkable piece was certainly conceived as a large luscious centerpiece for the dining table and seems appropriate as a great seasonal decoration, as well. The excellent condition and the positive feelings this artwork creates make it a very desirable addition to a great collection and many environments. No breaks, losses, or repairs. The painted and varnished finish is intact with no retouching. Dimensions: 13-1/2″ tall x 12″ wide max. , Compote: Top: 11-1/2″ diameter (wide); Base: 7- 1/2″ diameter (wide).