HAND CARVED WOOD MOLDS [Takaan]
Papier Mache Wood Molds
For Sale

GENE and LINDA have been collecting Wood Molds, also known as Takaan, for fifteen years. Molds are unique, hand carved, sculptural wooden folk sculptures made as tools to produce papier-mache art objects. First, positive wood molds (patterns) were coated with wax release agents. Then starch-soaked paper totally covered each wood form. When dry, front and rear halves of paper shells - which mirrored the carvings - were cut off with razor sharp blades and rejoined. Seams were papered over and the papier-mache was decorated with paint and gilding. The process was repeated many times with each wood mold.

Naturally, most Takaan show signs of use such as knife cuts, cracks, checking, chipping, and other tool markings. These marks give a truly rustic charm and unique character to each piece. Cut marks are found along ears, arms, the tops of heads and around the foot of patterns. After papier mache artisans completed an order, they retired the wood carvings to storage. Fanciful Venetian papier-mache masks, for example, were derived from these original wood sculptures as well as many other ephemeral images used or displayed in annual festivals around the world. The molds reflect the fact that they have been a valuable tool in the hand manufacturing process, and now are cherished as a true and rare folk art.

The Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Cleveland, Ohio, sponsored the first American museum exhibition of these historical sculptures in 2002. That was complimented by a special collectors' exhibition at the Dearborn Campus of the University of Michigan in 2007. These wonderful carvings are appreciated and collected for their unique qualities and their long history.

We have lots more molds than are pictured! After all, we've been buying them for fifteen years! Quite a number are large! Some are major pieces! Shipping not included in prices. Large molds are not shipable. Pickup at CREEKSIDE. You might want to check our mold photos frequently for new ones!

Read the well-researched and illustrated catalog Art of the Takaan.
Buy a copy Art of the Takaan.
Email Creekside.


Ornate Open-Center Heart

Ornate Open-Center Heart

Beautiful Heart embellished with deeply carved, almost floral styling. Intricate carving all around. Great patina.
Size 8"h x 9"w x 1.5"d.
Price $70

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Sharp Dresser Penguin with Bowtie

Sharp Dresser Penguin with Bowtie

This handsome standing Penguin seems ready for any occasion -- well almost. His size makes him a great sculptural addition to any collection of art of collector of Penguins! Very good solid condition; minor tight wood separations here and there; fine patina.
Size 18.5"h.
Price $325

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Cactus Grouping

Cactus Grouping

Unusual Grouping of Cactus. Available singly, multiples, or entire group. The largest cactus cannot be shipped. Pickup at Creekside. All in excellent condition.
Sizes: A. Tallest 54.5"h, $650;   B. Second Tallest 29.5"h, $130;   C. Third Tallest 20"h, $120;   D. Fourth Tallest 12"h, $60;   E. Fifth Tallest 12"h, $30;   F. Barrel Cactus 18"h, $140;   G. Barrel Cactus 18"h, $140.

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Graceful Jack-O-Lantern Ghost - SOLD

Graceful Jack-O-Lantern Ghost - SOLD

Ghost with Jack-O-Lantern Head !! Beautifully sculptural figure of a Ghost! Lovely surface patina (Waxy Brown Softness due to the wax absorbed during paper mache making process). This mold was used many times as you can see by the deep cut marks down each side (see sleeves, down the fabric and around the bottom). Chip missing from left side of JOL stem which happened during the normal papier mache cutting process. Very, very good condition.

Fabulous piece!

Size 25" high.

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Two Jack-O-Lanterns -- Father & Son

Two Jack-O-Lanterns -- Father & Son

Two HALLOWEEN JACK-O-LANTERNS !! PAPA and SON These two Jack-O-Lantern wood carvings were hand sculpted as patterns to make paper JOLs. They are solid wood and were well-used in their productive lifetime. Both are in very fine condition with tiny knife marks that show how the paper was removed many times; and, they have a fine surface patina from the brown and red waxes used in the paper mache process. There is a small chip on the chin of the larger JOL. These two are perfect for your Halloween decorating. Photo views show the delightful faces carved into the wooden pumpkin shapes.
Size of larger 8.5"h x 8.5"w. Size of smaller 6.5"h x 6.0"w.
Price $175

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Police Officer - Cop

Police Officer - Cop

Working Police Officer -- Friendly Cop. Very good solid condition; tight wood separation on left cheek.
Size 36.5"h (incl 1/2" wooden base).
Price $540

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A Cat's Face Mask - SOLD

A Cat's Face Mask - SOLD

A wonderful cat portrait used to make Cat Face Masks. The wood mold has a flat back for that purpose. It is in excellent condition with great patina, and is mounted on a wooden rod into a wooden base for display purposes. Or, the Cat Face itself can be hung on a wall instead.
Size 10"h (including stand) x 8.5"w x 2.4"d.
Price $80

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Seated Santa Claus

Seated Santa Claus

Seated Santa Claus. Unusual mold...he will sit comfortably on a chair, pedestal or table. Excellent condition with just a minor dry wood separation on front of jacket. Nice patina .
Size 17"h x 9.2"w x 9.5"d.
Price $225

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Ornate Open-Center Star

Ornate Open-Center Star

Beautiful Star embellished with deeply carved, almost floral styling. Intricate carving all around. Great patina.
Size 13" x 14"w x 1.5"d.
Price $70

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Santa Claus with Toybag and Toys

Santa Claus with Toybag and Toys

Classic Santa Claus with a sack of toys over his shoulder and many toys in his hands. More photos (overall and details)on request. Santa's features including hair, eyebrows, cheeks, nose, moustache, and beard are strongly depicted with deep relief carving. Excellent condition and great patina.
Size 37.5"h (including 1.5"h wood base).
Price $650

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Fearsome Halloween Skull - SOLD

Fearsome Halloween Skull - SOLD

Fearsome HALLOWEEN SKULL with Incredible Face !! This SKULL wood carving was hand sculpted as a pattern to make paper Skulls especially for Halloween and Day of the Dead celebrations. It is solid wood and was well-used in its productive lifetime. It is in fine condition with a dramatic appearance...the eyes, nose and cheeks are sunken!!! Tiny knife marks that show how the paper was removed countless times. This terrific Skull has GREAT surface texture in part from many, many cut marks used to remove the paper mache. Stunning! THIS IS A SUPER SCULPTURE! A REAL FIND. Photo views show the eerie face carved into the wooden SKULL.
Size 8.5"h x 6"w x 7"d.

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Shy Bunny with Carrot

Shy Bunny with Carrot

This sweet, shy Bunny Boy has super raised long ears and cute big shoes. He is holding to his chest a big, fat, heavy-looking carrot. Nice condition; maker re-attached his right ear separated during usage, and he has a tight wood separation on his back.
Size 12"h
Price $70

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Parrot on His Perch

Parrot on His Perch

Large Parrot in excellent condition and great patina. Mounted on wood stand.
Size 20"l x 4"w (bird size only)
Price $185

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A Prodigious Man in the Moon

A Prodigious Man in the Moon

This imposing Man in the Moon has a very happy demeanor. Makes you smile! But what a sculptural statement on a painted steel base! He is in excellent condition with super patina; and powerful facial features. Due to its size and sophistication, this piece is a great decorator item!
Size 23"h (moon size).
Price $550

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Halloween Witch's Shoe

Halloween Witch's Shoe

Halloween WITCH'S SHOE !! This old hobgoblin's shoe is a wood carving hand sculpted as a pattern to make paper mache WITCH SHOES. The cut marks illustrate the process of cutting the paper along the seams to remove it from the wood mold many multiple times. This conjurer's footwear is extremely unusual. Note the soft molded shaping with short heel and bow tie closure. The sculptor added a piece of wood to each side to shape out for the width of the foot. This sculpture is solid wood and in very good condition. It has great surface patina as well as exhibiting much use, handling, and storage.
Size 13"l x 5"w x 5.25"h.
Price $78

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Strappy Dress Model

Strappy Dress Model

Terrific dress form with a bossomed strappy long dress. Excellent condition and GREAT patina!
Size 17.75"h.
Price $145

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Statuesque Lady Bunny with Basket and Cabbage

Statuesque Lady Bunny with Basket and Cabbage

This handsome lady rabbit is the quintessential Mother in her long dress with apron over, returning from the garden with a basket of vegetables and a very large cabbage in hand. Very good condition; nice patina.
Size 17.75"h
Price $175

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Decorated Bottle

Decorated Bottle

Charming small bottle, detailed images on both sides. Front side excellent condition; back side shows storage wear to surface - a decidedly interesting side! Pphoto available). Nice feel of great age.
Size 8"h x 4"w x 2.5"deep.
Price $22

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Sculptural Halloween Ghost with Jack-O-Lantern - SOLD

Sculptural Halloween Ghost with Jack-O-Lantern - SOLD

This DRAMATIC and EXTREMELY UNUSUAL GHOST was designed and carved by one of the most creative of craftsmen. Notice how this fun loving GHOST'S compact, curvilinear body caresses his equally happy Jack-o-Lantern! For nearly two decades we have personally collected MOLDS...and also acquired them for other collectors. This is one of the top GHOST sculptures!

You will be delighted with this treasure. Observe the particular details of this gem. This guy is in excellent condition; and he was well-used in its productive lifetime. There are no missing parts or repairs. Note the photographs to examine the many, many knife cuts that mark the removal of paper mache from its body! Many paper mache Ghosts were made from this one wooden pattern! See the tight wood checks that are indicative of the natural movement of wood; and one missing wood knot to the right of his right eye. And look at the Ghost's "tail"...this original carved wood form was pieced on by the maker to finish the flow of the sculpture.

This wonderful Ghost's size makes it a perfect table sculpture AND it has the scale to be the centerpiece in any Halloween setting. Size 18" high x 14"w x 8"d; weight 22.3 pounds.

THIS WORLD FOLK ART FORM IS EXTREMELY RARE!! Here is an opportunity for even the most discerning collector to own a terrific sculpture - one of the BEST!

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Mickey Mouse

Mickey Mouse

Mickey Mouse is a striking sculpture three-feet tall. His commanding presence would be a dominant focal piece in a Disney or Mickey Mouse collection. Excellent condition; small and tight wood separation on forehead.
Size 36"h x 13"w x 12"d.
Price $350. Not shippable. Pickup at Creekside.

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Water Cooler Pottery Mold ... One-of-a-Kind

Water Cooler Pottery Mold ... One-of-a-Kind

A LARGE and DRAMATIC pottery water vessel also used as a mold to make papier mache vessel shapes. This is a very unusual mold! Because of its large SIZE and gorgeous burnt-orange COLOR! it is beautifully suited to, and would make, a BOLD DECORATING STATEMENT in any home or office situation!
Size: 28"h x 21"inside center diameter x 19" diameter at lip.
Price: $850 Not to be Shipped. Pickup at Creekside.

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Menacing Jack-O-Lantern w/ Wicked Eyes

Menacing Jack-O-Lantern w/ Wicked Eyes

Ominious and Alarming HALLOWEEN JACK-O-LANTERN with Wicked Eyes !! This Jack-O-Lantern wood carvings was hand sculpted as a pattern to make paper JOLs. It is solid wood and was well-used in its productive lifetime. It is in fine condition with a small wood separation in the back. Tiny knife marks that show how the paper was removed many, many times. This terrific JOL has a GREAT surface patina from the red waxes used in the paper mache process. One can see the red residue on the surface, most especially inside the eyes, nose and mouth depressions! Beautiful! THIS IS A SUPER SCULPTURE! A REAL FIND. Photo views show the eerie face carved into the wooden pumpkin.
Size 9"h x 9"w.
Price $155

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Bunny Playing the Drum

Bunny Playing the Drum

Seated Bunny with a drum held between his legs. Unusual mold...he will sit comfortably on a chair, pedestal or table. Good, solid condition. Some repair by maker to left ear.
Size 20.5"h (tip of ears to toes).
Price $210

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Sculptural Heart

Sculptural Heart

Beautifully shaped Heart,smooth carved, even sensual, mounted on a painted steel base. Excellent condition; great patina!
Size 11"h x 10"w x 5.5"d and 15.5"h incl. steel stand.
Price $135

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Bear Hanging on the Moon

Bear Hanging on the Moon

Delightful sleepy Bear Clinging to the Moon. He is dressed in a scarf and stocking cap; and it appears he is sleeping because the carver did not delineate the eyes. This larger sculpture took special consideration by the maker. The moon shape is carved from two separate pieces of timber; the bear and bottom portion of the moon were fashioned from one piece. The bevel where the two pieces of the moon join is tight. Excellent condition; great patina.
Size 20"h
Price $425

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Bird Mask

Bird Mask

This DRAMATIC and EXTREMELY UNUSUAL MASK was designed and carved by one of the most creative of craftsmen. Notice the bird's curvilinear bill as it shapes and defines this unusual sculptural MASK! For nearly two decades we have personally collected MOLDS...and also acquired them for other collectors. We have seen very few MASK molds in all these years; this is one of the finest MASK molds!

Excellent condition. There are no missing parts, wood checks, or repairs. Note the photographs to see that there are few knife cuts showing removal of paper mache from its body! ( some lightly seen with the naked eye on the bill's left side.) This marks the delicate and experienced hand of the paper mache cutter.

"Diverse papier-mache costumes, masks, and other ephemeral ceremonial items derived from carvings have enriched festivals and brightened holidays around the world. Some are pure fantasy, some fanciful and some are based on reality. A myriad of twentieth century seasonal images such as pumpkins, ghosts, skeletons, skulls, witches, MASKS of all types, bats, cats, and other creatures were produced for wacky Halloween decorations." [p14 Exhibition Catalog Cleveland Museum of Natural History--available]

This terrific BIRD MASK sculpture can be hung on a wall (see photo of flat backside) or specially mounted for three dimensional viewing. Size 13.5"h x 7.5"w.

THIS WORLD FOLK ART FORM IS EXTREMELY RARE!! Here is an opportunity for even the most discerning collector to own a terrific sculpture - one of the BEST. Price: $225

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Fabulous Halloween Witch with Broom - SOLD

Fabulous Halloween Witch with Broom - SOLD

Fabulous Halloween WITCH Sitting on a Pumpkin !! This dramatic and unusual WITCH wood carving was hand sculpted as a pattern to make paper WITCHES. It is solid wood and was well-used in its productive lifetime. It is in excellent condition. Its size makes it a perfect table sculpture AND has enough scale to be the centerpiece in any Halloween setting (20" high x 9"w ) and weighs 14 pounds. Front, side, back and closeup views show the extremely detailed carving especially in her face and long, long hair.

This Witch with her Broom was used time and again to make paper mache Witches. The cut marks illustrate the process of cutting the paper along the seams to remove it from the wood mold many multiple times. Structurally she is sound and in great condition.

THIS WORLD FOLK ART FORM IS EXTREMELY RARE!! Here is an opportunity to own a terrific sculpture for even the most discerning collector.

Size 20"high x 9"wide.

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Walking Turtle

Walking Turtle

Very, very RARE Walking Turtle with raised, turned head. He's lookin' around. We have seen only a couple turtle molds in fifteen years. Excellent condition and good patina.
Size 3.5"h x 8"l x 5.25"w.
Price $180

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Two Face Masks

Two Face Masks

Two wood molds which were used to make papier mache holiday and party masks. They are sculpturally contoured on the face sides and have flat back sides. They can easily be displayed on a wall. Excellent condition for both; nice patina.
Sizes: A. 7.75"h x 5.5"w and B. 6"h x 5"w.
Prices: A. $45 and B. $35

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Cute Little Bear Boy

Cute Little Bear Boy

Adorable little Bear Boy kinda slouched in a relaxed position. Excellent condition. Fine patina.
Size 9"h x 8.5"w x 8"d.
Price $45

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Monumental Muscle Man

Monumental Muscle Man

Impressive and massive Muscle Man in relaxed standing pose. He is over-life sized and proportionately appealing. Excellent condition.
Size 72"h x 22"w x 15"d
Price $1500 Not shippable. Pickup at Ridgefield Gallery, Ortonville, Michigan.

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