Carved walnut screw-type nutcracker, with anthropomorphic and zoomorphic features, grotesque face and fish-shaped handle, France circa 1880.

France arround 1880.

A rare and whimsical walnut screw nutcracker, finely hand-carved and attributable to French Folk Art production of the ‘Screaming Man & Fish Handle’ type, dating to the second half of the 19th century (c. 1870–1890). The upper section is carved in the form of a male face with caricatured, grotesque features, featuring a wide-open mouth that serves as the crushing chamber for the nut. An elegant calyx/tulip-bud motif forms the central collar junction. The lower threaded knob is shaped as a finely detailed fish with raised scale carving, designed for both decorative appeal and an ergonomic, non-slip grip during turning. France, 1880.

Misure 8” – 20 CM H 1,75” – 4,5 CM L 2” – 5 CM D

Codice REF: V1429