A charming and expressive 19th-century carved wooden rocking horse, retaining an appealing early painted surface with beautifully worn patina. The elongated, stylized form is hand-carved with exaggerated features—arched neck, sculpted ears, and a deeply carved mane—giving the piece a wonderfully naïve and folky presence. Original paint remains visible throughout in muted tones of black, green, red, and cream, softened by generations of use and natural age.
The horse sits on its original bentwood rockers, joined by hand-forged nails and wooden pegs, with traces of old surface wear that speak to its long life and authenticity. The saddle form and tail are carved integral to the body, and the expressive head retains its original painted bridle details and wide-eyed character.
This is a particularly evocative example of early children’s folk art...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century North American Folk Art Toys