Rabbit Lawn Ornament

Artist/Maker J. L. Mott Iron Works (active 1853-1950)

MediumHollow cast iron in the round; painted white

DimensionsOverall: 11in. (27.9cm)

Credit LineGift of Abby Aldrich Rockefeller

Object number1931.801.6

DescriptionHollow cast iron rabbit lawn ornament.
Label TextThe combination of utility and art is particularly well demonstrated in the metal sculpture. Every object was made for practical use, for a specific place. Experienced craftsmanship and a high level of accomplishment were required to produce the weathervanes, portrait figures, stove plates, hitching posts, door stops and other decorations. In the early 1700's there were foundries in existence, but a good deal of the material was forged by the village blacksmith, hammered by the coppersmith or amateur. While it is probably that some of the original models were brought over from the mother countries, such instances are relatively rare. In most cases, the wooden patterns were designed by local carpenters or professional carvers, unless the metal worker preferred to rely upon his own creative ability.
ProvenanceFound in Buck County, Pennsylvania on April 30th, 1931 by Edith Gregor Halpert, Downtown Gallery, New York, N.Y.