Carved Magpie with Baby Bird Above a Nest

SOLD

American, probably western North America, late 19^th century.
Carved wood, polychrome paint decorated.
Over-all in excellent condition with an exceptional painted surface Provenance: From a Prominent Connecticut Collection: Sotheby’s Important Americana, January, 1988, lot 1560.
This rare an unusual carving of a magpie holding a baby bird, half in its shell stands perched on a carved bird’s nest. Magpies are widely considered to be intelligent creatures and in some cultures are thought to be symbols of good luck and fortune.