1970s Larry Favorite Gambel's Quail Bolo Ironwood Mosaic Inlay Sterling Silver

Description

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In the 1950s using beautiful wood in Native American jewelry became popular and wood that looks like rosewood, ironwood, was used by some of he most famous Native American artists, such as Charles Loloma. This is not Native American, however, and it has a unique history. The artist was a mechanical engineer, living in Phoenix, who developed his own techniques for working with ironwood and he created an original drawing for this inlay of this piece, from silver ingot into ironwood. He confirms that he made this bolo in the 1970s. He left his career as a mechanical engineer in order to devote his life to this work and the work has been in galleries throughout the world: in France as well as throughout the US and still is sold in the best galleries in the US and France. He has won numerous prizes for this inlay work into ironwood and still continues this work today. His work commands very high prices indeed.
This bolo is phenomenal quality with the sterling silver Gambel's Quail, inlaid into the wood with no gaps, no glue no cement showing and it's very fine inlay work; the best you can imagine. It's a beautiful piece, very simple and elegant. The clasp is a Bennett that was used from 1967-1983 but I have confirmed with the artist that this piece was made in the 1970s. The leather is still entirely useful though it shows some wear. It comes with the original sterling silver tips, which the previous owner shined. The back of the bolo shows some shallow hairlines in the wood. These are natural to the wood and will not worsen. Larry Favorite says he sometimes uses them for his inlay work, but in this case he cut the form of the quail and inlaid the sterling silver into that, as is done with mosaic inlay. This was done absolutely perfectly, with no gaps showing at all. I'd use some leather and wood conditioner on the bolo and tie but they are in excellent vintage condition. This is a great collector's item from a period past, an example of rare inlay work of sterling silver into wood that is truly superb. Gambel's quail seems to be a favorite because of his unique profile. One could start a quail collection!
This bolo is 2-1/4" long and 1-13/16" wide. It has a substantial weight at 41 grams. The tie is 39" end to end including the tips. The tips are 2-1/4" tall.
Larry Favorite is a superb artist and craftsman who has perfected this beautiful technique and continues in this work at the age of 73. He has won countless awards and his work is represented in fine galleries throughout the world. This is an opportunity to own a work of art of great beauty. When you examine it you will be transported and will have to wonder how he did it. It's exquisite.
Here is a statement from the artist: "In the early 1970s, I was a mechanical engineer with a manufacturing firm located in Phoenix, Arizona. A typical senior executive, I was on the “fast track” for success in the business world. But then, after a long period of reflection and listening to my “inner voice”, I decided to make a major change in my life. In 1975, I walked away from my business career to pursue my growing interest in art. While searching for a medium in which to express myself, I discovered desert ironwood, a species of wood that is found only in the Sonoran Desert of Arizona. I began to make daily treks into the desert to locate chunks of this rare wood, some of which had lain dead in the desert for between 200 and 1500 years. I was intrigued by this wood and began experimenting with techniques for working in this difficult medium. First, I adapted tools to allow me to shape and polish ironwood like stone, revealing rich wavy patterns of color ranging from a pale cream to a dark mahogany-like grain. Next, I developed techniques for inlaying sterling silver and turquoise into the wood. I have now spent thirty-one years developing and refining techniques for working in this challenging medium. This is a unique art form, requiring an unusual combination of mechanical ability, artistic sensitivity, and, above all, patience. Trained as an engineer, self-taught as an artist, I am fortunate because my work is now residing in homes and galleries in more than eighty-six countries around the world. Even more so, however, I am truly blessed to have found work that I love to do. "
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Attributions on many of the old pieces of Native American jewelry are sometimes a moving target. All the books have errors, so in addition to counterchecking, I have developed some expertise over the years and I do care about getting it right, so as more information comes to light I update my listings and also get in touch with my previous buyers, to inform them of any changes in attributions. I am sincerely committed to ongoing accuracy.
Everything I sell comes from my personal collection or is something that I would include in my personal collection. Most pieces are museum worthy and gallery suitable, sold to you at great pricing. I vet every item carefully for quality and condition, and offer you the best. I want you to be able to rely on me for top quality, superb items that are often unique and rare examples of old antique vintage southwest, indian, native american and fine gold and gemstones, whether you're starting a collection or adding to one, or want something great to wear or gift. My goal is that all my buyers are delighted, that my special pieces find the right homes.