Carved Otter by Richard Tompkins, Nova Scotia whimsy necklace ) She certainly looks like

) She certainly looks like a crowned queen

I purchased this piece from a very fine consignment/antiques shop just outside of Boston

a few very small light scratches to the surface of the glaze

which I have shot here with some magnification

Really striking hung--and with a nice hook at the top of the back to make that super easy

Carved Otter by Richard Tompkins, Nova Scotia whimsy necklace ) She certainly looks likeThis lovely otter is by Richard Thompkins (1930 1995), a renowned Nova Scotia based Canadian carver who became known in the 1960s for his sleek, highly finished carved animals, especially his otters like this one. I believe it is carved of Butternut, finished with linseed oil and lacquer. I love that it feels super mid century but also very much product of singular sensibility. Signed Richard N. S. on the underside of the belly. 7 1 2 long x 3 1 4