Sweet Old Carved Toy Axe in Polychrome with Branch of Red Apples artwood toy co pen and ink in blue

pen and ink in blue and red and green

With great lines and textural details

here perched facing each other on the arching handle of a colorful basket

The Jester's Surprise

The painting is mounted to black cloth

Sweet Old Carved Toy Axe in Polychrome with Branch of Red Apples artwood toy co pen and ink in blueAt first I thought it was three red cherries painted on both sides of the blade of this old folk art toy axe, making me think of George Washington and his cherry tree, but now I think it is probably an branch of red apples, pointing instead to another American icon: apple pie! Quite a nice one, with perfect shape to the blade and terrific painted color on both sides. 8" l x 2 3 4" w (at blade). Very good antique condition, early 20th century I believe.