Hand-Painted Ceramic Cicada Sculpture by Adele Anderson Lawton for Shearwater

This is a hand-painted ceramic cicada sculpture, measuring approximately 6 x 14 inches. The piece is characterized by its vibrant color palette, including shades of black, yellow, green, and a naturalistic brown. The glossy finish suggests it is glazed ceramic. The cicada's body is intricately detailed, with stylized representations of its wings and head. The head features prominent black 'eyes' with white accents, and a yellow and black patterned forehead. The thorax area displays a large yellow pattern with black outlining, contrasting with a smaller U-shaped black area. Below this, there's a segment with green and brown striped detailing, reminiscent of insect segmentation. The wings are depicted as large, leaf-like forms in brown with large black veins or patterns, extending down to a pointed abdomen. The surface appears smooth and free of visible chips, cracks, or significant wear, indicating good preservation. The craftsmanship suggests it is a decorative art piece, possibly intended for wall mounting due to its elongated, somewhat flat back profile. The specific dimensions and the additional context "painted for Shearwater by Adele Anderson Lawton" indicate it is a unique, artist-commissioned or produced piece. The style has a contemporary folk art or artisanal quality, emphasizing natural forms with artistic interpretation.

I have examined the provided image of the hand-painted ceramic cicada sculpture by Adele Anderson Lawton for Shearwater. The piece appears to be in excellent condition, showing no visible chips, cracks, or significant wear. The vibrant colors and glossy finish suggest it is a glazed ceramic, well-preserved. Authentication based solely on images is inherently limited; I must assume the attribution to Adele Anderson Lawton for Shearwater is accurate as provided. Full authentication would require in-person inspection to verify material properties, artist's signature or markings, and an examination of provenance documentation such as purchase receipts or exhibition history. For a piece of this nature, scientific testing is unlikely to be necessary for authenticity.Market conditions for contemporary folk art and artisanal ceramics, especially unique artist-commissioned pieces, can be strong. While specific comparables for Adele Anderson Lawton's work on this scale are not readily available without further research into her exhibition history or past sales, the 'Shearwater' association could indicate a specific commission or limited edition, potentially increasing its appeal. The cicada motif is popular in decorative arts. Demand for unique, well-executed ceramic sculptures is generally steady, with rarity being a function of the artist's output and the one-of-a-kind nature of this piece. The "6 x 14 inches" dimensions suggest a substantial decorative item. Factors impacting value include the artist's reputation, the unique commission aspect for Shearwater, the excellent condition, and its aesthetic appeal. Without physical inspection, I cannot confirm the exact quality of the glaze or the precision of the hand-painting beyond what is visible.