Richard Janson Pintail Pair

"Fresh Air Dick" Janson (1872-1951) Sonoma, CA, c. 1930 17 in. long

Recognized as one of California’s greatest decoy carvers, Janson was also a commercial fisherman, a ship carpenter, and a professional hunter. Janson set the standard for California decoys over a forty-year career. He got his nickname, "Fresh Air," because he preferred to sleep on deck regardless of the weather while working on the “Star of Iceland,” a three-masted salmon fishing vessel. The hen has a "AM" stamp on the bottom. Original paint, working touch-up mostly to white, and gunning wear. Hen has a neck crack.

Provenance: Richard and Dorothy Wheeler Collection

Literature: Michael R. Miller and Frederick W. Hanson, "Wildfowl Decoys of the Pacific Coast,” Portland, OR, 1989, p. 148, related carvings illustrated. Michael R. Miller, "Wildfowl Decoys of California,” Spokane, WA, 2015, p. 107, related carvings illustrated.

Provenance

Richard and Dorothy Wheeler Collection