Solid Redwood deals Sculpture of Swedish Klok Gubbe

Tall Solid Redwood Sculpture of Swedish Klok Gubbe -Signed, Hand Carved & Finished

This stunning wood sculpture is a rare and ONE OF A KIND find. This sculpture is outstanding in many ways. It is carved from solid deals north-west Washington redwood. We were told upon acquisition that the sculpture was created in the 1970's. The signature at the bottom has an 06 after it. Whether this means it was actually made in 2006 or whether the 06 has some entirely different significance is unknown to us. The carving is intricate and as advised and through our own research done online, we believe the artist created the carving in the folk art style found commonly in medieval Sweden. We believe the countenance of the kind looking man's face is of the renowned Klok-Gubbe as called in Sweden during the prominence of the ‘cunning people'. From Wikipedia: "Cunning folk, also known as folk healers or wise folk, were practitioners of folk medicine, helpful folk magic and divination in Europe from the Middle Ages until the 20th century" The top view reveals another feature- 2 burls stick out at the apex of the 'hat'. Given the beautiful swirls and waviness present in the back, on the 'hat', and sides, we think there is a good chance that the whole piece was carved out of REDWOOD BURL. The feel of the un-carved surfaces is very smooth to the touch.

The artist used the most delicate colors to accentuate the fine carvings: blue eyes, a grayish natural-white beard and flesh tones that blend almost seamlessly into the redwood.
The piece is signed at the bottom. This is a statement and cultural heritage piece all at once and one that can light up a room with its' charm, characteristics and size.

The carving stands 22 1/2 inches tall
The widest diameter at the bottom is a little shy of 10" wide
The shorter side at the bottom is 6 3/4" wide.

This piece is in very good vintage condition. There are some separations that follow the grain in certain spots of the wood but the piece as a whole is intact, sturdy and in overall good condition.