Posted 8 years ago
Pencil-nec…
(104 items)
I just came across this terra-cotta item and, for the life of me, don't know what to call it and hope someone here can provide some direction.
The size is 14" across and 9" tall. There is no opening anywhere and whoever made it enclosed a marble or the like inside, so that it rattles around (loudly) when moved. It could be some sort of wind chime, I guess, or a lo-tech burglar alarm after a fashion.
There is an artist's chop mark on the side which is hard to make out, but includes the name "DIANE" with some chinese-looking figures. I took a rubbing, which you see above. The letters "B U" are written on the base, possibly in grease pencil. But by whom I have no idea.
The 'HHH' on the top is raised 1/4" above the rest of the piece. Other ornamentation is incised.
I kinda doubt it is Native-made, but that is just a gut feeling based on the chop mark.
Any help with this mystery is appreciated.
Still hoping someone recognizes this shape or artist.....