Upcoming Rago Sale Offers William Hunter, Ed Moulthrop’s Wood Artworks

American artist William Hunter is renowned for his abstract wooden vessels with spiral and geometric forms. Born in Long Beach, California in 1947, Hunter graduated from California State University at Dominguez Hills. He started as an amateur following his purchase of a wood-turning table in 1969. Soon, he rendered functional production pieces that were sold in craft fairs on the West Coast. The upcoming auction, presented by Rago, offers compelling works by William Hunter. One such notable piece is his Retusa Garden (from the Garden series). Created in 1998, this work demonstrates the artist’s exemplary woodworking techniques.  

Another highlight is a massive ‘Tulipwood Ellipsoid’ by Ed Moulthrop (1916 – 2003). This solid piece was made in 1988. A noted architect and professor, Moulthrop was a self-taught wood-turner. He is considered the father of modern American wood-turning. Moulthrop’s vessels are mostly large, measuring more than 40 inches wide. The offered lot reaches up to 21.5 inches in diameter and 13 inches high. Moulthrop’s works can be found in museum collections worldwide. Works by woodworkers of the 20th and 21st centuries, including Michelle Holzapfel, Rude Osolnik, Hans Weissflog, and J. Paul Fennell are available. Visit Rago to view the complete catalog and register to bid in the upcoming Crafted in Wood: Including Works from the Collection of Ken Spitzbard sale. Find more auction previews by visiting Auction Daily.