Object Literature
The family who previously owned this figure was an old English Family that has a distinguished Military Background. She was brought back, by a serving military member of family, from Ireland during the19th century and the family folklore stated that members had heard a harp playing in the house.
Since the 13th century, the harp had been considered the heraldic symbol of Ireland. Referred to as the Celtic harp, Gaelic harp or cláirseach in Gaeilge, the native Irish tongue, the emblem of the nation is found on flags, coats of arms, passports, currency and even the packaging of various forms of libation.
Pieces of folk art are ephemeral, simple, and often crude, though they are always enchanting. They were made by unskilled people, usually provincially, for everyday use and enjoyment, and are naively decorated, and made of basic materials. Folk art provides an excellent insight into the everyday life of ordinary people in times of old, and for that reason we love it.
A unique and utterly beguiling piece of folk art.