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).

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."