Large vintage hippopotamus figurine, 1970s

Description

Original handmade decorative sculpture, c. 1970–1980

An exceptionally decorative, large hippopotamus figure made of papier-mâché, most likely dating from the 1970s.

The sculpture has a highly distinctive, almost surrealistic form. The hippopotamus was hand-shaped and covered with blue, hand-painted polychromy, with a contrasting pink tongue and black facial details.
The visible, irregular papier-mâché texture and hand-finished surface give the piece a unique character.

The exact place of origin is unknown and cannot be attributed to a specific country without appropriate evidence. However, the form and technique suggest artistic craftsmanship from the second half of the 20th century.

Dating
to approximately 1970–1980.

The dating is based on the style, production technique, character of the polychrome decoration, and the type of decorative papier-mâché sculptures available on the international vintage market.

Condition:
The figurine is preserved in its original, period condition, with clear signs of age and use.

Visible signs include:
cracks and fissures in the surface layer,
areas of rubbed polychromy,
localised paint loss,
signs of previous use,
natural irregularities in the paper pulp
and abrasions on the surface of the feet.

These signs are part of the object’s authentic character and were neither concealed nor removed during restoration.