the realistically and finely turned and carved life-size hat of well-figured burl and maple wood, with telescope (flat) crown above an incised trim band all over a wide undulating brim; signed and dated 'Johan Michelsen '91 #85' (an early example of his hat carvings, 85th hat to be produced); small repair to crown.

Johannes Michelsen worked as a home builder and land developer in Vermont during the 1970s. He enjoyed working with wood and specialized in custom stair building, until an article about woodturner David Ellsworths hollow forms inspired him to become a vessel maker. He learned to turn green wood and produced bowls that distorted as they dried. In 1990, Michelsen attended a cowboy-style wedding and decided to make a turned wooden hat for the occasion. It was so well received that he now specializes completely in hats that can be either worn or displayed as pieces of sculpture. Recognized as a Master woodworker and carver, his works can be found in the collection of the Smithsonian American Art Museum.