Bidspirit auction | Large Folk Art Shell-Work Rearing

Large Folk Art Shell-Work Rearing Unicorn Sculpture - This large folk art shell-work sculpture depicts a rearing unicorn. The figure is meticulously encrusted with hundreds of small, cream-colored shells, likely rice shells, over a molded interior form. The unicorn features a spiraled shell horn, dark shell or stone cabochon eyes, and a flowing mane and tail achieved through the application of elongated, layered shells. The sculpture is mounted on a natural, weathered gnarled wood stump support, which is fixed to an irregular, dark-stained and polished wooden plinth base. A white paper string tag is attached to the piece, inscribed with 17 TALL in black ink. No maker marks, signatures, or labels are visible on the sculpture. Height: 17 inches.