Very Folky Carved and Painted Bird on Base m. reich as if it might be

as if it might be based on an illustration from a book by Jane Austen or one of the Bronte sisters

or will sit up on its own if positioned on a block of some sort—and also balances straight upright in a split

still attached to the hide)

and screwed to the flat base

early 19th century I would guess

Very Folky Carved and Painted Bird on Base m. reich as if it might beA curious little bird, purchased from a dealer at Brimfield who is a consistently good source of curious carved things and because I love birds of every ilk. The carved beak on this one looks very ready to do some pecking, and I like its big silver painted eyes, and the folky awkwardness of the whole thing, resting on its bulge of a belly. Painted in a combination of dark red and gold and black that feels a bit reminiscent of grain painting, and with