One sees old three-dimensional carved ship "diorama" from time to time--sometimes behind glass, sometimes not--but this is the first I've seen done in such a succinct manner, with the ship carved in relief in an arched niche, and I think it's quite fabulous. It's a bit hard to tell but it seems it may have all be carved out of the one block of wood with the background painted behind the sails of the ship, which are three dimensional. I love the the feet of the sailor visible just under the sail, who looks busy with something, perhaps a fish. Wonderfully executed all the way around, with nice aging to the paint and the very best blue for the sky. Earlyish 20th c. I believe.
7 1/2" x 5 7/16" x 1 1/2" and in very good condition, with some aging to the paint as evident, all to the good in my opinion. It will stand up steady on its own but could also be hung with the addition of a hook to the back.
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