OLD 36” IRISH ROSE HAND CARVED WOOD PAINTED WOMAN BOAT SHIP FIGUREHEAD RARE FIND

Description

For your consideration:
A beautiful antique Irish carved wood ship figurehead. A boat’s figurehead is a carved wooden decoration found at the bow of ships, and were predominant between the 16th and 20th centuries.  This was purchased from a Newport Antiques dealer who had acquired it from a Newport Estate. I was told it dates from the late 19thC. to early 20thC.
According to the dealer this antique figure was expertly hand-crafted in Ireland and features beautiful hand-carved details throughout. The large (over 35") figurehead depicts an attractive young woman girl with blue/green eyes, beautiful reddish blond hair and a creamy complexion with rosy cheeks and lips. She wears a red jacket and yellow skirt with floral detailing. She holds a delicate bouquet of red Irish roses close to her chest, while keeping her right hand tucked in her pocket. She also wears a gilded coronet. The figure appears to have never been used on a ship and was instead kept on display indoors, perhaps in a pub or inn, as it is remarkably intact and well-preserved aside from normal age-related wear.
Figure presents well and is in very good antique condition, with minor wear and patina commensurate with age. There are several age-related stable surface fractures, and minimal loss to painted finish. This beautiful Irish Rose figurehead will make a truly unique conversation piece in any interior and add old world Maritime style to any collection.
Dimensions: 35-1/2" in height, 12-1/2" in width, 9" in depth. Very heavy.
NOTE: Shipping cost is virtually entirely the cost of insuring this beautiful figurehead.
This item is also available for local pick-up in New York, N.Y (Manhattan).
This figurehead will be professionally packed to prevent damage in transit.