Intricately Carved Little Folk Art Hand antique American portrait with ears long gone

with ears long gone

I think in part it is the use of crushed shells to encrust every inch of the surface here

A nicely painterly view of meandering stream and tall trees and distant hills here

Certainly the 19th century was full of ideas for air travel

Very nicely executed

Intricately Carved Little Folk Art Hand antique American portrait with ears long goneA curious little one, found in Upstate NY, and really quite well carved, down the very pronounced veins running up the back of the clutched hand. Open from the side, such that it might hold a toothpick or two! I'd guess mid century or so, with a thin layer of stain varnish to the wood. 3 3 8" t x 1 7 16" w x 5 8" d and in very good condition. Stands on its own.