A New Dimension of Tradition: Important American Folk Art, Proceeds of the Sale to Benefit a New Folk Art Initiative at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
A New Dimension of Tradition: Important American Folk Art, Proceeds of the Sale to Benefit a New Folk Art Initiative at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
EXCEPTIONAL HOLLOW MOLDED AND GILT COPPER GRASSHOPPER WEATHERVANE, ATTRIBUTED TO L.W. CUSHING & SONS WALTHAM, MASSACHUSETTS, CIRCA 1883
Auction Closed
January 25, 10:08 PM GMT
Estimate
100,000 - 150,000 USD
Lot Details
Description
EXCEPTIONAL HOLLOW MOLDED AND GILT COPPER GRASSHOPPER WEATHERVANE
ATTRIBUTED TO L.W. CUSHING & SONS
WALTHAM, MASSACHUSETTS, CIRCA 1883
Together with cast-iron directionals. (3 pieces)
Height with stand 37 in., Height 10 in., Length 41 in.
Dr. Paul Dudley White, Boston, Massachusetts;
Larry Toyne, Leawood, Kansas;
Private Collection;
Christie's New York, Important American Furniture, Folk Art, Silver, Prints and Decoys, January 18, 2007, sale 1787, lot 268;
Stephen Score, Boston, Massachusetts.
This is the finest complete example known of this highly realistic form, retaining its original upper and lower balls on the directionals. An engraving of the form appears in Cushing’s 1883 catalogue, which indicates it was copyrighted that year. The design was undoubtedly inspired by Shem Drowne’s iconic golden grasshopper, which has topped Boston’s Faneuil Hall since 1742.