Toby the Black Dog, Marvin's 1984 Painted Relief Carving cyanotype photos with these bared fangs open

with these bared fangs open at us

I believe it dates to the second half of the 19th century

But the crossing of the two blooms and intertwining of their delicately painted stems and leaves also makes it feel like a love token--a happy wedding of two two different sorts

but I think it's really quite a charming thing

I find the form

Toby the Black Dog, Marvin's 1984 Painted Relief Carving cyanotype photos with these bared fangs openHandwritten at the very center of the back of the wood panel from which this sweet black dog was carved is TOBY and what a dear and loyal friend Toby must have been. No words necessary to explain the appeal of this one, just a charmer of a painted folk art relief carving and completely winning companion. 11 3 4" t (not including hook) x 5 1 2" wide. Excellent vintage condition. Signed Marvin plus initialed MPF and dated 1984 on reverse.