Several years ago I acquired this amazing relief carving from a private collector.
It was purported to be an Italian piece, but the seller didn't know the artist, or age of the item.
I sent photos to some very special friends in Italy, and Dr. Wolfgang Moroder, a descendant of the artist, responded:

"The Gypsy is very likely from Josef Moroder, Lusenberg, and the initials can be
considered as a signature. Josef Moroder made many relief's on wood,
the classical "pine" wood used in Val Gardena which is very light and has a
characteristic aroma.  It comes from the pines growing above 1600 meters altitude."

Thank you, Dr. Moroder!

                     

(Click for large images.)
 Two letters carved into the barrel, or cask, at the bottom left of the piece, are J and M.
The museum at Ortisei displays similar relief carvings by Josef Moroder,
but until now, I was not sure my gypsy relief carving was his work.

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