Eames Bird

Quite some time ago, a young Lady sent me a photo of a Folk Art Crow, and asked if I could make one for her Mother. I was struck by the simple design and unique presentation. Curiosity took hold and I began to search the Web for any info I could find. It seems that this bird was popularized by Charles and Ray Eames in the 1950's, hence the name. The Eames were well know interior and furniture designers at the time and they often published pictures of their home in design catalogs and magazines. People began to notice a Black Crow, used a an accent piece in all of the pictures, and asked about it. Charles and Ray traveled all over the US gathering Folk Art and furniture. In one of those trips they came across the Black bird at a store in the Appalachian Mountains and brought it home and it became know as the Eames Bird. Upon further research, I discovered that this bird was carved by Charles Perdew of Henry Illinois circa 1910. Charles and his Wife Edna, became famous Decoy makers and produced thousands of bird sculptures during their life time. Charles would carve and Edna would Masterfully paint them. In later years Decoy collecting became a passion for many and The Perdew Decoys and birds were highly sought after. In fact a Preening Mallard Hen went for $252,000 US at a recent auction. If you can find a signed Crow Decoy today, expect to pay thousands. Today there are many copies of the Eames Bird sold as accent pieces and some are very expensive. I have made several versions of this bird, making small changes so as to not to exactly reproduce the Perdew bird. All the Perdew Crows were carved in Pine and I do the same when I have wood available. Some of my later work is in Cedar, Basswood and Natural finish Butternut. The most popular size is 11" long.

11" Crow with metal eyes and legs $60

12" Crow in Pine on a Applewood base $60

11" Crows in Pine and Natural Butternut $60 ea.