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Wooden Carousel Horse / Zebra, European Hand-Carved Folk Art Sculpture

About the Item

Detailed and expressive, this authentic handmade carousel / merry-go-round zebra demonstrates how popular or folk style sculpture can reach the level of high art. With its original paint, and featuring the wear and tear of hundreds (thousands?) of riders, our zebra is aesthetically fascinating and also a time capsule of childhood joy. Constructed, carved and painted by hand, dating from the early to mid-twentieth century, we feel this figure probably originated in France. This animal has its head turned slightly to the right, and there are more details (see saddle buckles) on its right side. This is the case for continental European and American carousel figures. In the UK, carousels turn in the opposite direction, so the heads and details favor the left side. The eyes are made of glass and reflect light, giving the the zebra a lifelike aspect, and the realistic teeth, large nostrils, and accurate facial musculature show intimate knowledge of animal anatomy and great artistic skill. You can almost hear the zebra breathing heavily as it gallops along at top speed. Some carousel zebras started their lives as ordinary horses, and were given their exotic stripes after the fact to meet popular demand. By looking at its tail, which is solid near its base and quite different from a horse's tail, we can see our zebra was meant to be striped from the start. The included display base is a separate, modern addition, and is not attached to the zebra. This allows for another base or mount to be used if desired.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 35.44 in (90 cm)Width: 56.3 in (143 cm)Depth: 11.82 in (30 cm)
  • Style:
    Folk Art (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    unknown
  • Condition:
    Repaired. Wear consistent with age and use. Minor structural damages.
  • Seller Location:
    Madrid, ES
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU3306143383992

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