I've had this guy sitting around keeping me company for a while, but his green coat--and curious little face too, with a bit of leprechaun-esque mischeviousness to it--made think of St. Patricks day on the horizon, so I thought perhaps a good time to share him. (Also seems he could make a good talisman for cheering on the Celtics!) I purchased him from a great folk art dealer in Pennsylvania, and believe that is likely where he originated, in the long tradition of PA redware folk art sculpture. The form of his hat, especially, makes me think maybe meant to represent a train conductor--and certainly he looks as is waiting around, cross armed, for the train to arrive--or perhaps for the passengers to get on board already so the train can depart! And he's very good all the way around, his face especially revealing different aspects of character from every point of view.
4 1/4" t x 1 5/8" x 2 1/16" d (at base). Very good condition, no chips or flaws, just a little minor hairline surface cracking to the clay, native to it. With some old paper adhered to the underside that I didn't try to remove but looks like it could be soaked off.
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