DESCRIPTION: Antique Rare Dutch Gaper wooden figurehead sculpture, depicting an uniformed male figure with open mouth. The figurehead first appeared in the late 16th century as a hangout sign used outside the storefronts of drug stores in the Netherlands. The literal translation of "gaper" would be yawner; the figurehead is always displayed with an open mouth, sometimes with a pill resting on his tongue. Recently, gaper figureheads have been stolen or removed from storefronts. Now, few remain within public view in the city of Amsterdam. Outside museum collections, fewer than 50 can be seen on buildings.The gapers are hung outside storefronts and exposed to rain for long periods of time. This has caused many wooden gaper figureheads to rot or split. This is clearly visible with some preserved figureheads in museum archives. The gaper is now a historical collector’s item.

CIRCA: Unknown.
ORIGIN: Netherlands.
DIMENSIONS: H: 25" W: 16" D: 12".
CONDITION: Decaying splitting wood. See lot description for details on item condition. More detailed condition requests can be obtained via email (info@akibaantiques.com) or SMS 305-332-9274. Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Akiba Antiques shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.