American Carved and Paint-Decorated Native American Tobacconist Trade Figure, Possibly from the Workshop of Julius Melchers (1829-1909), Detroit, Michigan, Circa 1870

Parke-Bernet Galleries, The Haffenreffer Collection of Cigar Store Indians, April 11, 1956, lot 70;
Christie's, New York, Important American Furniture, Folk Art and Prints, October 3, 2007, sale 1882, lot 40.

Julius Melchers was known for his figures that were carved from weathered ship's masts. He posed his figures in simple, straightforward poses and was meticulous in the carving of their authentic and traditional clothing. The present lot exhibits many of the features associated with Melchers, including the carving from a single piece of wood and the rigid body posture. He was trained as an artist in Paris and relocated to Detroit to join a friend who had recently moved there. He was hired by the first tobacco shop in Detroit to carve an Indian trade figure and was soon inundated with orders from other stores.