Grotesque Mask Acanthus Crest

A little grotesque hiding in a spray of acanthus. D 234 is an upright crest-style ornament with real character. A tall central plume — a fluted, tongue-like palmette — rises from the middle, and symmetrical acanthus leaves fountain out to either side in tight, curling flames. The whole spray is cradled by two sweeping horns of moulding that curve down and around into a shield-like base, and tucked at the very bottom centre is a small carved grotesque: a horned little face with spiralled brows, the kind of mischievous mask old carvers loved to smuggle into their work. This is one for furniture makers, clock-case builders and anyone dressing a pediment, headboard crown or over-door panel with something more than plain scrollwork. In dark walnut it broods; painted and gilded it turns theatrical. Cut notes: • Single-sided relief — carve it raised on a flat blank; the flat back glues straight to the workpiece. • The grotesque face and the scroll eyes are the deep spots; finish with a 1–1.5mm tapered ballnose to reach into them cleanly. • Orient grain vertically along the plume so the slender central spine stays strong. • Watch the fine leaf tips on the roughing pass — leave extra stock and take a light final cut to avoid tear-out.