Sold for A$660
Wm Ricketts signed Aboriginal Head Sculpture Hanging Wall Plaque. Pottery Ricketts Dark Brown and Cream Tones. 140 mm long. 1940s
Excellent. Born in Melbourne in 1899, William Ricketts was a self-taught sculptor and conservationist, who commenced modelling in clay in about 1920. Well known for his terracotta sculptures and vessels depicting heads and figures of Aboriginal subjects, he owned a property at Olinda in the Dandenong Ranges, now known as the William Rickett Sanctuary, and open to the public. This property is famous for its bush garden heavily decorated with his terracotta sculptures. Ricketts' works are represented in several state and provincial collections. He died in 1993. This piece is a classic example of his highly sought after works. There is a kiln kiss type mark to the right eyebrow of the man depicted. There are some small flakes and slivers around the base edge. At the bottom underneath there is a fine, short hairline, these marks all appear to be making type marks to me, and are minor regardless. I can see why these items are so sought after, there is something uniquely mesmerising about this piece of work! Grade: 8 Estimate: $1000 - 1500
