An extraordinary piece of folk art with a fascinating past and personality to spare.

This wonderfully expressive, nearly life-size wooden dog is a remarkable example of traditional craftsmanship. Hand-carved from solid wood, he rests in a relaxed, reclining pose with long outstretched front legs, gently folded hindquarters, floppy ears, and a beautifully sculpted face that seems almost lifelike.

Believed to have originally served as a working mold for the production of papier-mâché figures, this unusual piece may be an example of a traditional Filipino takaan. These carved wooden molds were used by artisans, particularly in Paete in the Philippines, to create decorative papier-mâché animals and other figures.

The dog's construction offers intriguing clues to its possible working history. Its flattened, roughly finished underside, visible carving marks, natural wood checking, and richly darkened surfaces are consistent with the characteristics often seen on traditional wooden production molds. The contrast between the finished sculptural form and the utilitarian underside speaks to an object originally created for a practical purpose.

The wood has developed a beautiful, timeworn patina, with variations in color, visible tool marks, and natural age-related cracks that contribute to its character. The charming red velvet ribbon tied around his neck adds a touch of whimsy.

Provenance

Acquired from Breck Armstrong of Moss Studios, who purchased the piece as part of a larger collection from a longtime antiques dealer who had passed away. The dog was represented as an older wooden mold, although its precise age and geographic origin remain unverified, possibly circa 1920-1940.

A Remarkable Decorative Statement

Measuring an impressive 29 inches long and standing 16.5 inches high, this substantial wooden dog is much more than a tabletop curiosity. He would be perfectly at home resting beside a fireplace, welcoming guests in an entry hall, or keeping watch in a library or living room.

Whether appreciated for its possible history as an artisan's working mold, its folk-art character, or simply its irresistible personality, this is a wonderfully distinctive piece that is certain to become a conversation starter.

Details

• Dimensions: 29"L × 9"W × 16.5"H

• Material: Solid carved wood

• Style: Folk Art / Primitive

• Possible Origin: Philippines, attributed to the traditional takaan papier-mâché mold-making tradition

• Age: Vintage; exact date unknown

• Condition: Age-related cracks, surface wear, tool marks, and variations in wood color consistent with its history

• Provenance: Breck Armstrong, Moss Studios, acquired from a deceased antiques dealer's collection

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.