Hawaiian Ai-Laiki = Ricebird

James W. Washington, Jr. (American 1909-2000)
Dated: 1974
Size: 7 1/2" L x 4 1/2" D x 7" H
A striking, signature work carved from black granite— the bird is powerfully rendered with a commanding posture.

James W. Washington, Jr. was an African-American folk artist who was known for his engaging works in stone. Born in Gloster, Mississippi, Washington settled in Seattle and became a leading member of the Northwest School. Washington’s spirited, but quiet carvings are often seen as a cross between two other direct carvers; the African American Folk Artist William Edmondson (1874-1951) and American sculptor John Flannagan (1895-1942).

Please see, James W. Washington, Jr.: Stone Mason for additional biographical information.

Washington's work is represented in numerous private and public collections, including The Smithsonian, the Whitney, SFMOMA and the Seattle Art Museum.

Condition: Excellent. Stamped signature, date and title on wood base, stone initialed, "JWW" and dated "1974."

Price: SOLD

Literature: Karlstrom, Paul J., THE SPIRIT IN STONE: THE VISIONARY ART OF JAMES W. WASHINGTON, JR., Bellevue Art Museum, 1989.; Ament, Deloris Tarzan, IRIDESCENT LIGHT, University of Washington Press, 2002.

References: See video below and visit the James and Janie Washington Foundation website.



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