I purchased this bird from a dealer based in Iowa City who always has lovely and unusual things, and I think it is very much both of those. I am not completely certain whether made of wood or papier mache--it looks as though the head, made as a separate piece, shows wood, visible around the eyes, but I think the body is papier mache, likely formed over a wire armature. Whatever the case, with a wonderful sort of mystery and otherworldliness about it I think--to my eye evincing the spirit of a gold leafed ancient Egyptian Ibis. Meant to represent a shorebird I presume, but with this now mellow gold paint making it feel rather more like some kind of magical creature.

8 3/4” t x approx 5 3/4” on the square ; base 3 1/4” d. In good condition, sound and not particularly fragile. There are a few sets of holes in the painted cork base, I presume from relocating the wire legs once or twice. Stands sturdy and stable now.