A vintage molded chalkware figurine depicting a standing lamb on a grassy mound base. The figure is naturalistically modeled with textured fleece, painted in warm cream and buff tones, and stands upon a vibrant green-painted base. A white ribbon is tied in a bow around its neck.

Condition Report & Provenance

• Subject / Sitter / Source: Lamb / Sheep
• Period: Early to Mid-20th Century
• Origin: Unknown
• Material / Technique: Molded plaster (chalkware) with hand-painted polychrome finish
• Materials: Plaster, paint, ribbon
• Decorative Details: Textured fleece, painted facial features, applied white ribbon bow
• Colour & Surface: Cream-colored fleece, green base, pink mouth, black eyes
• Condition: Notable chipping to the plaster on the nose, ears, and along the lower edges of the green base, exposing the white plaster core beneath; minor surface wear and paint loss consistent with age.

History

Chalkware figurines, made from molded plaster of Paris and painted with water-based or oil paints, became highly popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Often distributed as carnival prizes or sold as inexpensive holiday decorations for Easter and Christmas nativity scenes, these charming folk-art-style pieces are highly collectible today for their nostalgic appeal and hand-painted variety.