Carved Otter by Richard Tompkins, Nova Scotia folk art cat and figure at the center

and figure at the center speaking in the voice of the vessel: "Use me well

loaded with old tools and equipment

A really lovely and super useful piece

I purchase at the incredible estate sale of a Michael Leininger in Melrose

Carved Otter by Richard Tompkins, Nova Scotia folk art cat and figure at the centerThis lovely otter is by Richard Thompkins (1930 1995), a renowned Nova Scotia based Canadian carver who became known in the 1960s for his sleek, highly finished carved animals, especially his otters like this one. I believe it is carved of Butternut, finished with linseed oil and lacquer. I love that it feels super mid century but also very much product of singular sensibility. Signed Richard N. S. on the underside of the belly. 7 1 2 long x 3 1 4