Doe and Hope

Description

The well-weathered softwood carving, possibly a finial from a ship, showing two primitively chip-carved seahorses on a scrolled pedestal base.

Condition would be described as fair to good but because the pieces age is difficult to pin down we would say it is commensurate with an early nineteenth century piece of softwood that has been exposed to the elements. There are some hairline cracks, though it remains very stable and she proves to be quite heavy.

The seahorses and scroll pediment would suggest a maritime influence, the carving could well be a finial or figurehead type ornament from a ship. It was, by repute, found in North Wales by the beach.

This carving is intriguing and open to discussion. What isn’t open for discussion is that she proves wonderfully decorative.