Preliminary identification
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Overview
This is a whimsical Mexican folk art wood carving (alebrije) depicting a diving or leaping frog with elongated front legs. Hand-carved from native copal wood and hand-painted in vibrant lavender, turquoise, and red dots, it is hand-signed on the underside by artisan Cornelio Ortega.
Story
Carved in San Martín Tilcajete, Oaxaca, this vibrant frog represents the famed Mexican tradition of alebrijes, where local artisans transform twisted copal branches into surreal, joyful animal sculptures.
Maker / Origin
San Martín Tilcajete is world-renowned as one of the epicenters of Oaxacan woodcarving. Cornelio Ortega is one of the village's recognized folk artists, working within a multi-generational tradition of carving soft copal wood using simple machetes and pocket knives before applying meticulous acrylic dot-work.
Condition & Value
Appears to be in very good, intact condition with strong, bright paint and no obvious breaks to the fragile, extended limbs. Good preservation of folk art wood carvings maintains full collector value.
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Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.