Miniature Dish

Item number A2176 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

Public

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Description

Miniature rectangular shaped dish carved out of a thick plank of wood. The centre has been hollowed out, the ends are angled with concave impressions. The exterior has a slightly bevelled surface below the proximal edge. Painted with red, black and gold designs on the exterior surfaces. An animal face resembling a beaver, is present at each of the ends, while stylized bird-like designs are centred on each of the longer sides. The gold paint is used primarily as an accent colour. The artist signed the base, in red paint: "Made by Stanley James, Nanaimo B.C."

History Of Use

Larger versions of this style of dish, carved from a thick plank of wood, were used for feasts. They would be used to serve meat and oil. Such dishes were usually between three and ten feet in length. This smaller version, however, was more likely made for sale as an art piece.

Specific Techniques

Carved from a single plank of wood.

Cultural Context

contemporary art; tourist art

Narrative

Signed by the artist. Stanley James was born in Esquimalt, but lived and worked in Nanaimo. He was written up in the Nanaimo Daily News (Jun 30, 1961) as a carver of model poles, who lived with his family in the Nanaimo area. The article said he'd been carving items for sale for 25 years, and that his products were sold through retail outlets in Nanaimo and Victoria. A photo was included showing Stanley carving on a porch with two of his daughters. Source information unrecorded.