Rick Ayotte (New Hampshire, USA). Rick Ayotte is another American paperweight master, one of the leading innovators in the field. He became an apprentice at a glass company as a teenager in the 1960s and has worked in the field ever since. His love of nature led him to create some of the most accurate glass wildlife and botanical figures ever produced. He is especially noted for his birds.
PW2555. Rick Ayotte Limited Edition of 75 Magnum Museum Piece. White-throated Magpie Jay with Rhododendron Flowers. He really nailed this one. Perfect jay in beautiful blossoms. There are two layers of lampworking to this weight – the bottom layer comprises a branch with six blossoms and the top layer has the jay and three prominent blossoms. It is fabulous. This weight is from a limited edition of 75 weights and is signed “Ayotte 23/75 ‘86.” It is in excellent condition. It is extra magnum at 3 7/8 inches in diameter; 2 inches tall; one pound and nine ounces. $950