American, likely Maine

Carved White Pine with Cast Iron Feet

Circa 1920

18” H x 45 ¾” W x 21” D

Originally found in Maine, this life-size seagull was elegantly carved around 1920, likely in Maine. Seagull is the colloquial name for gulls because they typically reside in coastal areas. The face features, lifelike elements that are finely carved with pierced eyes. The most prominent feature of the seagull is the dramatic finely carved wings that contain detailed primary, secondary, and tertial feathers. The carving has an elegant flow of the wing, which tappers down to a fine pint. Each wing is attached to the body using nails and dutchmen. The piece terminates in cast iron webbed feet. The type of seagull is unknown because there are three prominent types of gulls in Maine, all of which look physiologically the same, however, differ in terms of feather color.

WHY WE LOVE IT: The elegant flow of the carved wing of the seagull makes the piece come to life.