A beautiful marriage of folk art, craftsmanship, and sculptural form.

This unusual vintage wooden torso is believed to have originally served as a working mold for the creation of papier-mâché figures. Hand-carved from solid wood, the graceful form features a beautifully defined waist and delicately carved decoration across the bodice, suggestive of the ornamentation found on a ballet dancer's costume.

The deeply aged surface displays a remarkable patina, with dark, almost blackened areas contrasted by traces of warm wood tones. Visible carving marks, natural cracks, and generations of wear give the piece an intriguing sense of history and character.

Possibly an example of the traditional Filipino takaan mold-making craft, the form would once have provided the foundation for creating decorative papier-mâché figures. Now appreciated as a sculptural object in its own right, it offers a wonderful glimpse into an earlier tradition of handcraftsmanship.

Mounted on a simple black metal stand, the figure takes on an almost museum-like presence. Its striking silhouette and richly textured surface make it a compelling accent for a library, bookshelf, console, or collected interior.

Acquired from Breck Armstrong of Moss Studios, who purchased the piece as part of a collection from the estate of a longtime antiques dealer.

Details

• Material: Hand-carved solid wood

• Dimensions: 17" × 8" × 5"

• Display: Mounted on a black metal stand

• Style: Folk Art / Primitive / Sculptural

• Possible Origin: Philippines, attributed to the takaan tradition

• Age: Vintage; exact date unknown

• Condition: Aged patina, surface wear, natural cracking, and visible carving marks consistent with its history

One of a kind.

Store Pickup Only

This item is available for in-store pick up. Please contact us for pick up location. For large items, delivery is available with Monogram Logistics.

Furniture Delivery

Patina recommends Monogram Logistics for local furniture delivery.

Their white-glove delivery includes bringing all items into your room of choice, unpacking, and removing packing material. Delivery may incur an additional fee for more than one flight of stairs, heavy items and the removal or moving of your own furniture.

Please contact Monogram Logistics at 703-835-0967 or fill out the "Contact Us" form under the "Delivery" tab on this website to request a day and time. Monogram’s customer service manager will provide you with a delivery quote and schedule you for delivery.

The delivery crew will call you when they are on their way, approximately 1/2 hour prior to arriving.

Please call Monogram Logistics 24 hours in advance at 703-835-0967 if you need to cancel or reschedule your delivery.

Customer Self Pick-Up

If you choose to pick-up your purchase, please be sure to bring enough manpower to move your items into your vehicle. Remember to bring sufficient blankets/bubble wrap/rope if necessary. Patina is not responsible for any damage incurred with your move. We request that all purchases be picked up within 1 week from date of purchase.