Rare Miniature Belted Kingfisher Pair
Allen J. King (1878-1963)
North Scituate, RI, c. 1940
3 1/4 in. tall including base

"Of all the carvers of miniature and decorative birds in the mid-twentieth century, Allen J. King was without a doubt the most gifted and versatile artist."— Joseph H. Ellis, "Birds in Wood and Paint"

Kingfishers are a rare thrill to witness both in the wild and on a collector's shelf. A testament to their rarity, kingfishers are not listed on A.J. King's Crossroads of Sport list from 1938 which featured forty-two species. These are quite possibly the only kingfishers by King to ever come to auction.

Both birds exhibit raised, relief-carved split wings and fanned tails. The male is perched high in an upright position, while the female perched low and slightly forward as if ready to fish. Both are fixed atop a branch, signed "A.J. King."
Excellent original paint with minimal wear.

Provenance: Private Collection, Houston, Texas

Literature: Joseph Ellis, “Birds in Wood and Paint,” Hanover, NH, 2009, p. 109, Crossroads of Sport list illustrated, no kingfishers listed or illustrated.