Bull Wood Carving: I like how the muted black and grey body of this bull is offset by its blue hooves (which make me think of Elvis Presley's Blue Suede Shoes, but not only do I age myself, I digress) and the bright colors on its face and its contrasting white horns. It's a thoughtfully carved piece, with nice curves and movement. The painting is sleek and precise.

Approx. dimensions: 12" long x 8" high
The tail is removable for shipping.
Signed on the bottom.

Hand-carved and painted by Armando and Antonia Jimenez. Armando is a grandson of the famous Manuel Jimenez, who is credited with starting the craft movement in Oaxaca which has become known as Oaxacan Wood Carvings or alebrijes.  Armando and his wife, Antonia, are well-known in their own right and their pieces are sought after, with good reason.

Oaxacan woodcarvings are also called alebrijes (pronounced all-ay-bree-hays) - they are carved in small family workshops on the outskirts of the city of Oaxaca. They're often bright and whimsical, and can be very collectible.