Going Stag

A pick of the week two weeks in a row? It very well might start snowing here in May. Pook and Pook Auction has a problem in that we are filled to the brim with great Americana. The shelves are full, the carts are full and there is not an open square inch of floor space to be found. This might be a problem for some but for me, I am like a kid in a candy store. If I had all the time in the world my pick of the week could easily be a pick of the day. I have so much to choose from. The May 21st Americana and International sale offered up over 565 lots for me to pick from. As many of you know I am drawn to the Pennsylvania Germanic arts. I love the late 18th, early 19th century painted surfaces, the folk-art forms, and utilitarian objects that were so prevalent in the central Pennsylvania towns and backroads. A second subject I am passionate about is animals, sharing my outdoor adventures with my dog Stella, we are quick to escape to the woods for respite. Wandering through the forests we routinely stop to enjoy the scenery and the mountain animal life that can be overlooked by others. So, combining those two joys as I am paging through the catalog, I know I have certainly found a favorite. This week I am going with lot 401, a 19th century painted chalkware stag. This guy is adorned with a bold yellow base, a striped body with red highlights. So, he checks off both boxes. An animal from the forest of Pennsylvania’s woods and a great Pennsylvania Dutch piece of chalkware with great form and great color. What inspires your collecting?

By: Jamie Shearer