Features
Masterly realistic feather carving: the Castagna workshop is known for its precise command of animal character. The most striking thing here is the layering of the feathers: from the fine down at the neck to the thick flight feathers on the back, every feather is rendered to the life. Interwoven light and dark in the lifelike painting give the silkiness and weight of real plumage.
Deep, expressive eyes: the owl's characteristic large eyes are finished with a glassy sheen, bright and deep, as though gazing out in a silent forest. The orange-yellow detail of the face contrasts clearly with the white down, giving the piece something like a living soul.
Solid, substantial quality: the piece stands 23 cm high, well proportioned and firmly balanced. The material is resin, but of very high density; it is mellow to the touch and has a natural weight, showing the solid workmanship expected of a fine Italian vintage piece of the 80s.
A meaning of protection that crosses cultures: this Western vintage piece accords well with the Japanese fukurō (owl) tradition, which suggests the arrival of good fortune and the passing of hardship, making it an ideal choice for collectors who want to lift the atmosphere of a room.