This hand-painted wood cutout is an early original work by Pipka Ulvilden, an artist renowned for her diverse depictions of Father Christmas. Dated 1990 and signed "N. Dailey," it likely represents a piece designed by Pipka and hand-painted by an artisan (in this case, N. Dailey) during her early career in Door County, Wisconsin.
Early Work: Before launching her mass-produced marble resin figurines with the company Prizm, Inc. in 1995, Pipka’s early Christmas work consisted of hand-painted wood cutouts.
Artist & Style
The Artist: Known as "The Santa Lady," Pipka Ulvilden was born in Slovakia and raised in Germany, where she was heavily influenced by Bavarian folk art traditions.
Artist Signature: The piece is signed "N. Dailey 90," which indicates it was hand-painted in 1990. While Pipka Ulvilden is the designer, hand-painted artists' marks from specific years can add a unique "folk art" appeal.
Condition: Piece in excellent pre-displayed condition. No flaws in the paint or structure. No further identifying marks.
Design
Bauernmalerei Style: Her work often utilizes the Bavarian painting style known as Bauernmalerei, characterized by simple, charming strokes and colorful folk motifs.
This specific 1990 piece depicts an Old World Santa (consistent with her early preference for more handsome, traditional Father Christmas figures) and features: A long rustic brown coat with textured white beard and painted fur trim. Santa carrying a miniature Noah's Ark (often symbolizing a village or gift) animal charms, small animal cutouts—including an elephant, horse, and pigs—dangling from Santa's hand, a motif seen in her "Santa's Ark" or world-themed designs, and a small decorated evergreen tree.
Pipka's original wood cutouts are considered early, rare pieces by collectors because they predated her popular limited-edition figurine lines, such as Memories of Christmas and Reflections of Christmas. While later figurines were made from molded marble resin, these 1990 cutouts are unique, one-of-a-kind hand-painted items.
Material: Handcrafted from a solid cutout wood panel, heavily textured acrylic paint details on the beard and fur trim, finished with a classic protective protective varnish.
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