Toy Horse 1935 - 1942

Frank Budash made this toy horse from wood sometime in the 20th century. Looking at the surface, you can see the marks of the maker's tools, probably a drawknife and spokeshave, used to shape the animal's form. The choice of wood is significant. It's a humble material, readily available, and connects the toy to a long tradition of vernacular carving. The form is simplified, almost elemental, emphasizing the horse's basic shape and strength. But the wood also has its own inherent qualities: the grain, the color variations, the knots, all of which contribute to the horse's unique character. This isn't a mass-produced plastic toy; it's a one-off, made with care and skill. In a world of industrial production, this toy horse represents a different kind of value – the value of handmade objects, of individual expression, and of a connection to the natural world. It reminds us that even the simplest of materials can be transformed into something beautiful and meaningful through the act of making.