Bas relief carving on board                                                               Signed on reverse UR

Framed 17 3/4"x 14 3/4"                                                                    Viewing area 13 5/8" x 10 1/4"            

 

Presented is a handsome bas relief, wood carving, of the famous Clipper Ship Flying Cloud by known carver, James Keating, who was active during the 1920-1930's. It is the epitome of American seafaring Folk Art. Keating was well known as a carver of yachts and fishing schooners mounted on plaques, but his renderings of sailing ships are few and considered his best, and most desirable works. Signed in pencil on the reverse is Clipper Ship "Flying Cloud" by James Keating, 133 Haven St., Reading, Mass. which is repeated below in block print by another hand.

 

A Folk Art representation of the famous Clipper Ship FLYING CLOUD

 

The black hulled ship with all sails set, including studings'ls, is close hauled on the port tack with a bone in her teeth. Her bow has a distinctive figurehead of a white winged angel with trumpet that replicates the real ship. She is under a hazy, light blue, cloudless sky, with the realistic sea painted dark blue with white caps. The artist has captured the majesty of Flying Cloud and his work shows an intimate knowledge of sailing ships and the sea as she appears to be in motion. The carved wood painting has a wonderful patina of age. There is some minor flaking which is not objectionable.

 

From the stern, three dimensions are apparent

From the bow looking aft, the same

 

SHIP'S HISTORY: The Flying Could was designed by famous ship builder, David McKay, and launched in 1851 in East Boston. Her registered dimensions were 229' LOA, 40'8" beam and 21'6" draft and 1,782 registered tons.

 

Flying Cloud, was the masterpiece of Donald McKay, the foremost marine architect and shipbuilder of his time. McKay sold her to a syndicate of owners under the flag of the Grinnell-Minturn Line before she was finished, which was comprised of  Moses H. Grinnell and Robert Minturn each holding 9/32 shares. Henry Grinnell, John E. Williams, and Francis S. Hathaway each holding 4/32 shares, and Captain Creesy with 2/32 shares. Flying Cloud was launched in East Boston just at the time of the California "Gold Rush", when travel and transport between East Coast ports and California was best undertaken by ship. The Flying Cloud acquired a reputation for sailing faster than any other ship of her time. On one record breaking occasion under command of Captain Josiah Creesy, she made the passage from New York to San Francisco in 88 days, 22½ hours, a feat never again achieved by a sailing vessel.

The Flying Cloud could be seen racing into port before the wind, her acres of sail flashing in the sun. An ordinary sailing ship would lift her bows and plunge with the seas. But not this one. As her sleek, jet-black hull sliced through the swells, the only visible motion was the white curl at her bow and an occasional toss of spray. She seemed to skim the waves like a gigantic black and white bird.

During her later years, she carried tea from China to London, making the passage from Foochow in 123 days. Like all of the fast clipper ships, her time came to a close as steam-powered vessels took over maritime commerce. Flying Cloud met an unfortunate end when she ran aground in 1874, could not be rescued, and was burned to salvage metalwork.

OUR UNCONDITIONAL NO NONSENSE GUARANTEE: If not completely satisfied with your purchase it may be returned within five days of receipt in its original packaging if without damage. Return items must be insured for their full value. Only a prior email authorization from us for the return is required. Shipping charges are  included in this offer if an error is due to our fault.

 

International buyers welcome, but should inquire first.  We have satisfied customers in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Denmark, Estonia, England, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Malaysia, Martinique, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Nova Scotia, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, USVI and the Eastern Caribbean.

FLAT RATE PACKING, SHIPPING, & INSURANCE to the 48 contiguous States $48.00 

ACCEPTED FORMS OF PAYMENT are Bank wire transfer, cashier's check, money order, or personal check in which case the item will be held until cleared. No credit cards or PayPal accepted on this item.

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