Length of Chain with Seal

Dateca. 1870

Artist Frederick E. Parker (b. 1848, ac. 1867-1874)

MediumWood, estimated by eye as white pine

DimensionsOverall: 1 1/8 x 1 x 3 7/8in. (2.9 x 2.5 x 9.8cm)

Credit LineGift of Eunice G. Smith in memory of her great-uncle Frederick E. Parker

Object number2002.701.3

DescriptionA carved wooden chain consisting of three links, with a carved wooden seal at one end.
Label TextWoodcarvers are seldom bored. Their moments of leisure may be snatched between chores or stretched into endless winter nights, but as long as pocket knives and spare blocks of wood are handy, they have the ingredients for relaxation, contentment, and amusement.
Frederick Parker readily mastered lengths of chain, traditional show pieces meant to test a whittler's deftness and patience. The seal on the end of this chain is a rare addition. The Folk Art Center's collection of Parker's work includes other wooden chains, as well as other, more unusual carvings, such as a knife blade, swivel, bolt, screw, bit, file, hinge, padlock, keys, and nails. A puzzle, cake print, footstool, and two folding fans extensively inscribed by friends and relations complete the collection.
ProvenanceThe group of carvings eventually passed through the line of Frederick’s youngest sister, Harriet (b. 1858), who married one of the fan signers, Purdy Cornell (b. 1851). Their daughter, Mary Cornell (b. 1879), married John Homer Smith (b. 1875) of Putnam, New York. The donor of the carvings, Eunice G. Smith, was their daughter, and was a lifelong resident of Washington, D.C.

The piece descended in the maker's family to his great-niece, Eunice G. Smith, who was AARFAM's donor.