Hand-Carved Hardwood Hand Sculpture & Vide Poche — Brutalist Folk Art, circa 1960s–1970s

Reaching forward from its rectangular plinth with quiet authority, this hand-carved hardwood hand is both sculpture and object — a piece that holds things, and holds attention in equal measure.

OBJECT DETAILS An ideal piece for interior designers sourcing bold, singular decorative objects with sculptural presence, or for collectors drawn to brutalist folk art and the expressive power of hand-carved wood. This is a hand sculpture / vide poche carved from a single piece of dense hardwood, depicting a naturalistically rendered open hand extending from a solid rectangular plinth base. The palm forms a hollow cavity — approximately 8cm × 4cm — designed to hold a television remote, keys, glasses, or small objects. The wood shows a rich warm brown tone with beautiful natural grain throughout, and has developed a deep, even patina consistent with age and handling. Carved details include individual fingers, knuckle articulation and wrist definition. No signature. Style: brutalist folk art / studio craft. Material: dense tropical hardwood. Era: circa 1960s–1970s. Origin: unknown, possibly European or Anglo-Indian. Maker: unknown.

DIMENSIONS Total length: 25cm / Height: 12cm (L 9.8" × H 4.7") Hollow interior: approx 8cm × 4cm

CONDITION REPORT In very good vintage condition. Wood solid and structurally intact throughout. Natural patina rich and even — no cracks, splits or repairs. Surface shows minor wear consistent with age and handling. No chips or losses to carved detail. Photographs form part of this description. Please review all images carefully as they document the piece's condition in full detail.

FAQ

What is the condition? Very good vintage condition. Wood solid and intact throughout, no cracks, splits or repairs. Natural patina rich and even. Minor surface wear consistent with age. Photographs form part of this description — please review all images carefully.

What are the exact dimensions? Total length 25cm × Height 12cm (L 9.8" × H 4.7"). Hollow interior approximately 8cm × 4cm.

What can it hold? The hollow palm cavity comfortably holds a television remote control, a pair of glasses, keys, or similar small objects. It also works beautifully as a pure sculptural display piece.

Where does this piece come from? Circa 1960s–1970s, origin unknown — possibly European or Anglo-Indian. Maker unknown, unsigned.

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 — 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.

Can I request more photos? Yes — please contact us via the enquiry form and we will be happy to provide additional photographs or answer any questions about this piece.

CURATOR'S NOTE Selected because it refuses to be categorised — it is a sculpture, a desk object, a conversation piece and a quietly surrealist gesture all at once. The hand that holds things. The kind of object that stops people in their tracks and makes them pick it up. An ideal addition to a designer's desk, a collector's shelf, or a film set requiring an object of genuine character.