Stark Black Working Decoy with Marvelously Hooked Old Beak Repair shield with anchor and wraps around nearly half

and wraps around nearly half of the vase

7 1/2 x 4 15/16 in (17

with glazes --one a painterly brown and dark indigo

and a patina that makes one feel it was prized and used

15/16" thick

Stark Black Working Decoy with Marvelously Hooked Old Beak Repair shield with anchor and wraps around nearly halfThis might not be the decoy for the decoy connoisseur, but for the lover of highly evocative, very singular sculptural objects, I think it is a most fantastic thing! It is very clear, especially from the top of the head, that this working decoy was shot over quite a bit, and I assume its original beak took the worst of the hits. Someone appears to have valued it enough to carve, paint, and attach a new one, transforming its profile and character