Hand-Carved Hardwood Dog Figures Stand & Moroccan Bowl — circa 1960s

There is something genuinely arresting about this piece — six intertwined dog figures, carved from a single mass of dense tropical hardwood, their bodies knotted in fluid, almost architectural tension, raised to cradle a hand-painted Moroccan ceramic bowl above them.

OBJECT DETAILS An ideal piece for interior designers sourcing a bold, cross-cultural centrepiece with sculptural presence, or for film and TV prop buyers seeking an exotic, visually complex decorative object with folk art character. The stand is a decorative bowl stand / centrepiece executed in the chain carving tradition — a technique in which interlocked forms are carved entirely from a single piece of wood, a feat of patience and extraordinary skill found across Anglo-Indian, Moroccan and West African craft traditions. The six elongated dog figures have intricately interlocked limbs and carved paw feet, each with bone inlay eyes. The wood is a dense tropical hardwood, likely sheesham or mango wood, with a warm honey-brown tone and fine straight grain. The stand folds flat for storage and transport. The accompanying Moroccan ceramic bowl is hand-thrown and hand-painted in characteristic amber, ochre and deep orange glazes with pierced latticework and floral motifs, and can also be displayed independently as a wall hanging. Style: folk art, chain carving. Era: circa 1960s–1970s. Origin: likely India, Morocco or West Africa. Maker: unknown.

DIMENSIONS Assembled: H approx 45cm × W 43cm (H 17.7" × W 16.9") Stand width: 43cm nose to nose (17") — folds flat Bowl diameter: 33cm (13")

CONDITION REPORT In very good vintage condition, consistent with age and use. Wood retains its warm patina and natural lustre throughout. Bone inlay eyes intact on all six figures. Minor surface wear to wood consistent with age and handling. Ceramic bowl in good condition with characteristic hand-painted glaze. No cracks, no repairs, no structural damage to stand. Photographs form part of this description. Please review all images carefully as they document the piece's condition in full detail.

CURATOR'S NOTE Selected for the sheer audacity of its construction — six figures carved and interlocked from one piece of wood, collectively holding the world up. A conversation piece equally at home in a maximalist interior, a designer's studio, or on a film set requiring exotic, handcrafted character. The pairing of the carved stand with the Moroccan bowl is our own — two objects from the same tradition, finding harmony together.

FAQ

What is the condition of this piece? This piece is in very good vintage condition, consistent with age and use. Minor surface wear to wood consistent with age. Bone inlay eyes intact on all six figures. No cracks, no repairs, no restoration. Photographs form part of this description — please review all images carefully.

What are the exact dimensions? Assembled: H approx 45cm × W 43cm (H 17.7" × W 16.9"). Bowl diameter: 33cm (13"). Stand folds flat for storage and transport.

Where does this piece come from? This piece originates from likely India, Morocco or West Africa, circa 1960s–1970s. The stand is executed in the chain carving tradition found across these regions. Maker unknown.

Do you ship internationally? Yes — Fontaine London ships worldwide. Prices shown include duties and taxes for your country (DDP — Delivered Duty Paid), so there are no surprise charges on delivery. Shipping cost is calculated at checkout.

Is this piece suitable for film or TV prop use? Yes — this piece is period-accurate for 1960s–1970s exotic folk art interiors and is available for prop hire enquiries. Please contact us directly to discuss.

What is your returns policy? We offer a 14-day return policy for items that do not match their description. As all pieces are one-of-a-kind vintage items, we ask buyers to review all photographs and the condition report carefully before purchasing. Photographs form part of the item description.