This art object embodies a sublime contrast: the rough, authentic magnificence of the outer bark merges with the smooth delicacy of the scenes carved within. Crafted from a log cylinder, the piece retains the raw texture of the wood, inviting tactile contact with nature.
Observing the side openings and the top recess reveals two layers of sculptural virtuosity. Figures and foliage, sculpted with extreme finesse, emerge from the background, creating unexpected spatial depth. At the center of the composition, two majestic stylized deer graze among leafy branches, a symbol of alpine wildlife, while the top serves as an evocative housing for a candle.
Due to its contained dimensions (13 cm), the entire work was hand-carved from precious maple wood, a material preferred by Val Gardena artists for small to medium-sized sculptures, thanks to its fine and compact grain that allows for impeccable definition of the most minute details.
