Anyone have any idea on this thing?

[Joeyd]

I came across this at the estate of a ww2 navy officer that had a enormous vintage Asian collection and not sure if it's Japan or Chinese in origin. It's very old and obviously a winged dragon but it's composition has me completely baffled. It looks and feels somewhat like wood and organic material but has sculpting marks like one would see on a resin or type material and also some features are applied with what looks like hide glue and sealed over in places. In person, it's an amazing piece of handmade art form and quite unique. I'm wondering if anyone has ever seen anything like this and might could offer any info at all? Thanks

 

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[Back-of-the-boat]

I think it is a wood and resin mix maybe with sawdust added into the resin . Just a guess . But no matter the material it is an awesome piece of art.I own a few hand carved works by a friend of mine that were done in many types of wood and yours is characteristic of what a true artist can do.

 

[ARC]

IMO... a root with added stuff.

 

[Joeyd]

I think it is a wood and resin mix maybe with sawdust added into the resin . Just a guess . But no matter the material it is an awesome piece of art.I own a few hand carved works by a friend of mine that were done in many types of wood and yours is characteristic of what a true artist can do.

Hey Back o t boat....Your thoughts on a sawdust and resin mix may just be exactly right! Never thought of that as the mottled appearance might be obtained by doing that very thing and resembles some wood that seems like I've seen before? It also has the appearance of old bones in places that one might find out in the woods also. Thanks for the reply!

 

[Joeyd]

IMO... a root with added stuff.

Hello ARC....I never thought of that either and now I'm gonna have to go take a much closer look as between your observation and the previous comment from back of the boat, I think you both might be on to something. Thanks for your reply!

 

[Gare]

It sure does resemble roots like ARC said