Carved Fish Art Appraisal

Carved Wooden Fish Wall Art by Frank Charlie

This item is a meticulously carved wooden wall art piece depicting a fish, likely a salmon or trout, rendered in the distinctive Northwest Coast Indigenous art style. The piece is crafted from a single slab of wood, possibly cedar given its warm reddish-brown tones and visible grain, which has been contoured and relief-carved to create the fish's form. The natural wood grain is prominent on the unpainted areas, particularly towards the tail section, suggesting a clear finish has been applied to enhance its beauty and preserve the wood. The carving features bold, flowing lines and iconic formline shapes typical of First Nations artistry. Portions of the carving are painted in a limited, vibrant color palette: black outlines define various sections and internal elements, a striking turquoise fills a central scale-like pattern along the body, and a rich red highlights the gills, mouth, and a section of the belly. The turquoise area exhibits a repetitive, textured pattern of small, triangular or 'U' shapes, adding depth and visual interest. The fish's eye is rendered as a black ovoid with a red inner shape, consistent with the stylized representations common in this art form. The edges of the carving are smooth and well-finished, indicating careful craftsmanship. The overall condition is described as 'perfect condition,' and indeed, the visible surfaces show no signs of chips, cracks, scratches, or fading in the paint. There are no discernible manufacturing marks or signatures visible in this image, but given the attributed artist 'Frank Charlie,' it is likely a contemporary piece by a First Nations artist. The quality of carving, precise painting, and excellent preservation suggest a high-quality, handcrafted artwork. The piece's three-dimensional nature, achieved through varying depths of carving, allows it to cast subtle shadows, enhancing its visual impact when displayed on a wall. The visible size suggests it is a substantial piece suitable for prominent display.