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Subject:Cultural Revolution Bust
Posted By: Christopher Thu, Sep 01, 2016 IP: 108.75.186.66

I believe, from the look of this child, that this dates to the cultural revolution period but cannot say for certain. Any opinions would be helpful. Also, if anyone can identify the type of wood (it's very heavy for it's size) that would be great







Subject:Re: Cultural Revolution Bust
Posted By: rat Fri, Sep 02, 2016

it may or may not date from 1966-1976, but it definitely has no cultural connection to China's Cultural Revolution, am not convinced it is Chinese at all

Subject:Re: Cultural Revolution Bust
Posted By: Gman Sat, Sep 03, 2016

I agree with Rat, this does not scream Chinese, Cultural Revolution or otherwise, to me either.

Perhaps you could relate anything you know about the origin of this piece, or perhaps explain why you thought it was Chinese. There is no wrong answer, did someone tell you it was from China?

The size of the piece (overall height, and width of the base).

Photos of the piece in daylight, including the bottom of the base, and the top of the head, in order to see more aspects of the grain of the wood it is carved from. In your photos the surface goes very dark. Maybe lie it on its side in daylight, the idea is to have well lit photos showing any grain or details of the wood without having the surface go dark in the process.

Description of any smell of the wood, i.e., smells like soap, smells like pepper, etc.

Clear photos of any markings or inscriptions.

The subject of this carving could represent many cultures around the world.

However, the type of wood it is carved from could narrow the possibilities. My best guess would be Indonesia, where I have seen many dark tight grained wooden busts with narrow shoulders, undoubtedly a limitation of the width of the tree.
My leaning towards Indonesia is based partly on the fact that the child is portrayed with Buddha-like features. That said, the subject also has Polynesian features, and a resemblance to ancient Olmec carvings in Mexico.

Remember, Google is your friend. You can type "carved wooden bust of a child, Indonesia" then click "Images".
Look at all of the photos, then go back up and change Indonesia to Brazil, Tahiti, Malaysia, Africa. etc.

Have fun.

Cheers
Gman


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