Leaping Brook Trout Creel
Emile Robichaud (1902-1993)
Medway, ME c.1974
14.5" across base x 7.5" tall

Excellent example of functional American folk art.  Cedar slat trout fishing creel crafted by Emile, a trout fishing guide in Maine, who would make these special for clients on their trips.  Emile was a craftsman in wood, paint, and leather.  The wooden slats are cut narrow in perfect angle to form the basket, bevelling at the bases around the corners to allow water to exit.  Two leaping trout and all of their fins are deeply relief carved into the wood.  The lid is decorated with depressed lines that he later filled with color to paint folky objects on the lid, and in this case, the clients name.  Not missing a touch, the leather straps holding on the lid are shaped like fish.  Emile's ink signature and roman numeral dates are on the edge of the bottom slats as is traditional on his creels.

Condition:  Original strap and wood, no restoration.  Light wear from use with a chip out of the underside of the front right edge.
 
 
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