R John Wright – Bear Bo-Sun – Limited Edition – 2006

Maker: R John Wright
Date: 2006
Edition: Edition of 250 pieces, no. 137
Price: £750 (Free Postage In The UK)
Material: Alpaca
Size: 21″ (53cm approx)
Condition: Fine condition with certificate of authenticity.  Should you require any further images, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Hand-made in Vermont, USA.

Bear Bo-Sun: A Brief Description

Bear Bo-Sun is an exceptional example of R John Wright’s celebrated artistry in character bear-making, issued in 2006 as a limited edition of just 250 pieces. Standing at 21 inches tall, he represents a distinctive and richly detailed interpretation of a maritime teddy bear, imbued with charm, personality, and the unmistakable craftsmanship of the Wright studio. Designed and handcrafted entirely in Vermont, he belongs to the lineage of heirloom-quality bears that seamlessly blend storytelling, historical references, and impeccable materials. Bear Bo-Sun is a nautical character – the term bo’sun (or boatswain) referring to a ship’s officer in charge of equipment and crew. The bear embodies this theme with a strong maritime identity, standing tall and proud with an expression of gentle authority and steadfastness. Unlike many whimsical teddy bears, Bear Bo-Sun has a sense of purpose and narrative, as though he has stepped from the deck of a classic sailing vessel.

Materials and Craftsmanship

Bear Bo-Sun is made from the finest custom-woven fawn coloured alpaca. The fur is dense, soft, and luxuriously tactile, carefully trimmed and shaped to highlight the bear’s expressive features and powerful stance. The pile has a slight sheen under light, giving depth and realism to the form, while retaining the comforting softness expected of a classic teddy bear. His face features a realistically contoured muzzle, with subtle airbrushing around the snout and eyes to bring depth and expression. His inset hand-blown glass eyes, framed by slight shading, give him a soulful and thoughtful appearance – intelligent, observant, and quietly noble. Bo-Sun’s moulded leather nose is hand-sculpted, with a satin-like finish that mimics the wet shine of an animal’s nose, enhancing his lifelike quality. His paw pads are fashioned from durable felt, expertly stitched and shaded to simulate natural wear and anatomy, complete with sculpted toes and resin claws that suggest strength. Bear Bo-Sun is fully jointed – head, arms, and legs – allowing for a wide range of poses. His build is robust, giving him a grounded, capable presence. He can sit, stand with support, or lean with a naturalistic posture, making him ideal for display as a storytelling figure. True to his name, Bear Bo-Sun is dressed in nautical attire, tailored with exquisite attention to historical accuracy and miniature detail. He wears a traditional sailor’s shirt and hat. The collar is wide and square-cut in the style of 19th-century naval uniforms, adding to his seafaring identity. Bear Bo-Sun possesses an unmistakable sense of dignity and dependability. His slightly furrowed brow, upright posture, and watchful eyes evoke a character who has weathered many storms and knows the ropes of his world. While not overtly cute or childlike, he carries a timeless charisma, appealing to collectors who appreciate finely observed detail and quiet storytelling. There’s an air of nostalgia in his design, reminiscent of British naval heritage and classic children’s literature, where brave animal characters served as allegories for loyalty, courage, and wisdom.

Presentation and Significance

Each bear from this edition bears the R John Wright brass identification button on the back of the bear, affirming its authenticity. Bear Bo-Sun bear is accompanied with a signed certificate of authenticity, individually numbered to reflect his position in the strictly limited edition of 250. As with all R John Wright creations, Bear Bo-Sun was crafted entirely by hand in Vermont, undergoing meticulous quality control and artistry at every stage – from the hand-cutting of the alpaca to the precise application of costuming and finishing. Collectors regard Bear Bo-Sun as a signature piece in the R John Wright collection – not only for his handsome presence and maritime theme but for the rare edition size and the compelling balance of realism and character. Bear Bo-Sun is a masterful creation that transcends the ordinary teddy bear. Through his superior materials, lifelike detail, and narrative design, he becomes a character in his own right – a figure that captures the romance of the sea, the craftsmanship of traditional toy-making, and the enduring warmth of the teddy bear form. A true collector’s treasure, he offers both tactile luxury and timeless storytelling, suitable for display, admiration, and legacy.

Why Buy from Us?

At Hornseys, we are committed to offering items that meet the highest standards of quality and authenticity. Our collection of objects and fine gifts is meticulously curated to ensure that it reflects refined taste and elegance.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• Authenticity and Provenance: Every range is thoroughly researched and vetted to ensure that it meets our exacting standards.
• Expert Curation: We select each range with an eye for tastefulness, refinement, condition, and visual appeal.
• Customer Satisfaction: We strive to provide an exceptional customer experience, from detailed descriptions to secure and prompt delivery.
• Returns Policy: We offer an unconditional guarantee on every item. If you wish to make a return, any item may be sent back to us within fourteen days of receipt for any reason. We request advance notification of returns, and items must be returned in the same condition as sent for a full refund.

Explore Our Collection:

Visit Hornseys to explore our exceptional collection of fine art, illustration, rare books, gifts and objects. Located in the picturesque Yorkshire Dales, our Ripon gallery has been a haven for art lovers and collectors since 1976.

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