Sunfish Decoy
Harold E. "Rick" Rickert (1923-1990)
Mt. Clemens, MI, c. 1955
8 1/2 in. long
“It is a rare opportunity for the collecting world to see a magnificent group of mint decoys as they left the maker’s hands. The Rickert decoys illustrated [in this catalog] were fashioned specifically and held in treasured reserve by Rick for his and his family’s enjoyment. Extra care was taken to ensure they would be of the highest quality…” — Gene and Linda Kangas, "Decoy Magazine," 2009
Rickert hails from the fish decoy capital of Mt. Clemens, Michigan, where he began to learn the local art form from his uncle Hans Janner Sr. and the Vandenbossche brothers, Dan and Ted. In their article on the maker, the Kangas thoroughly chronicle the extraordinary and inventive efforts Rickert exerted to produce the very finest decoys in the tradition of his family and townsfolk.
This large cedar-bodied panfish has an open mouth, is finished with Rickert's tight stamped scales, hammered metal fins, and detailed glass eyes. The underside of the right pectoral fin is signed with a stamped "R." This decoy is from Rickert's special set of his best carvings.
Original paint with light wear.
Provenance: Rickert Collection
Kangas Collection of International Folk Art and Decoys
Literature: Gene and Linda Kangas, "Great Lakes Interpretations," Concord, OH, 2011, p. 264, exact decoy illustrated.
Gene and Linda Kangas, "Harold E. Rickert: Building a legacy of excellence in a set of spearing decoys," Decoy Magazine, March/April 2009, p. 11, exact fish illustrated.
Condition
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