They're one of the first things people notice when they walk into our store: a whole flock of wooden ducks standing on a table in polka-dot rain boots, a few more on skis, and a penguin or two mixed in. These are Indonesian bamboo ducks, hand-carved from bamboo root, and they've become one of our best-selling gifts. Here's where they come from, how they're made, and how to dress yours up.
What is a bamboo duck?
Each duck's body is carved from the root of the bamboo plant, the knobby, rounded base that grows underground. Carvers work with the natural curves of the root, so the body of every duck has its own shape, grain and size. The head, beak and legs are carved separately from wood such as acacia or teak and fitted on, then the boots, skis and other details are painted by hand.
That's why no two of our ducks look exactly alike. Some stand tall and thin, some are round and stout, and the grain on each body is different. Many customers spend a while picking out the one with the most personality.
Why ducks, and why Indonesia?
Bamboo root ducks are made by woodcarvers on the Indonesian islands of Bali and Java. Indonesia has a deep tradition of bamboo craft and woodcarving, and ducks are a familiar sight there. In Bali, farmers have long herded flocks of ducks into the flooded rice paddies: the ducks eat insects and weeds and fertilize the young rice, then are walked to the next field before the rice ripens. Many of those working ducks are Indian Runners, which stand and walk upright like little bowling pins. Look at a bamboo duck standing in its boots and it's easy to see the resemblance.
The carvings became popular well beyond Indonesia because they hit a sweet spot: they're handmade and natural, but also playful. A duck in red polka-dot wellies makes people smile, and they're easy to collect one at a time.
Boots, skis and penguins
- Ducks in rain boots: the classic. Painted wellies in red, blue, pink, purple and green, many with polka dots, some with laced hiking boots.
- Skiing ducks: leaning forward on painted skis, some with a little knit pom-pom hat, perfect for winter and for skiers in the family.
- Bamboo penguins: carved the same way, in natural wood or painted black and white, with flippers and orange feet.
- Sizes: from small ducks that fit on a bookshelf to tall ones that stand on the floor by the door.
Dress them up: scarves and hats
Half the fun is dressing them. We sell little knit scarves and hats made to fit bamboo ducks and penguins: red, green and candy-cane striped scarves with pom-poms, and knit caps with a sprig of green on top. Wrap a scarf around the neck and tie the hat under the beak, and your duck is ready for winter.
Customers change their ducks' outfits with the seasons, use them as a holiday centerpiece, or buy a duck with a matching scarf and hat as a ready-made gift.
Gift ideas
- Holiday gift: a duck in boots with a red scarf and knit hat.
- For a skier: a skiing duck with a pom-pom hat.
- Housewarming: a tall duck to stand by the front door.
- Start a collection: a pair in different colored boots, then add one each year.
- Kids and grandkids: a small duck or penguin for a bedroom shelf.
Caring for your bamboo duck
Bamboo ducks are made for indoors. Keep them out of rain and standing water, and away from very hot or dry spots like radiators. Dust them with a soft dry cloth. The bamboo root and wood will mellow and darken a little over time, which is part of their charm.
Come meet the flock
We keep a whole table of bamboo ducks and penguins at our shop at 52 S Market St in Downtown Frederick, along with the scarves and hats to dress them. Stop in Wed–Sat 11am–6pm or Sun 12pm–5pm, or call (301) 696-0066. See more of our home accessories and Maryland gifts.