Ash Duck Sculpture Appraisal

Shapes of Clay Mount St. Helens Ash Duck Figurine by Stan

This item is a stylized duck figurine produced by the artist Stan under the 'Shapes of Clay' studio brand. The sculpture is notable for its unique material composition, which incorporates volcanic ash from the 1980 Mount St. Helens eruption blended with clay. This mixture creates a distinctive 'craggy' texture and a monochromatic palette of off-white and charcoal grey, mimicking the appearance of raw volcanic rock or lava. Physically, the duck features a rounded, organic form with minimal anatomical detail, emphasizing the material's texture over realism. The surface is heavily mottled and textured, giving it a natural, weathered aesthetic. It includes its original paper hangtag, which provides provenance, identifying it as being crafted from materials from the foothills of Mt. Rainier. The tag highlights the intention to capture the 'timeless mystique of the Northwest mountains.' The condition appears excellent with no visible chips, cracks, or repairs. The figurine likely dates from the post-1980 era, following the availability of eruption ash for artisanal use in the Pacific Northwest region. The minimalist style and specific material make it a niche collectible from the American craft movemement of the late 20th century.