This large, hand-crafted papier-mâché hippopotamus figurine from the 1970s stands out as a decorative object with a distinctly whimsical, almost surrealist form. The main color is a cool, medium blue, applied in loose, layered strokes, with patches of wear and loss revealing beige and cream undertones beneath. The open mouth and tongue are accented in soft pink, while subtle black and white details define the eyes and nostrils. The surface is rough and tactile, marked by visible seams and hand-molded irregularities, reinforcing its artisanal, unique character. The proportions are deliberately exaggerated and naive: a rounded, oversized head with a wide-open mouth, short legs, and a compact body evoke the folk-art and mid-century decorative style. The figurine is preserved in very good vintage condition, with small cracks, abrasions, losses of paint, natural surface unevenness, and traces of prior use—features that enhance its authenticity and singular charm.The form of this sculpture echoes the voice of its era—a time in the 1970s when creative freedom and material experimentation shaped the language of decorative art. The hippopotamus, with a touch of humor, presents itself boldly: the matte, uneven surface and playful silhouette recall naive art and a relaxed approach to craft. Every imperfection and chip in the polychromy reads like a record of its journey—an imprint of the hands that shaped it and the decades that left their mark.This figurine could serve as a focal point in a living room, displayed atop a sideboard or bookshelf, where its unconventional form introduces a note of
DIMENSION
Height25 cm
Width17 cm
Length43 cm
Dimension details
Length43 cm
Height25 cm
Width17 cm
DELIVERY
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Estimated delivery time
Today
Order within supplier
12.10
At your place
Professional vendor vintage
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