Duluth, in northern Minnesota, was the origin of this remarkable folk art mirror and stand, almost certainly carved by a Scandinavian immigrant. Tim Hill took me on a guided tour of the carving, pointing out the angels, the tree of life and the intricate woodland surrounding everything. The figures almost hidden in the branches on the stand could have been examples of the Green Man, a northern European fertility figure. "It's a beautiful blending of two cultures," said Tim. It had been exhibited in 1985 in California at the Walnut Creek Arts Center, where it was seen by Dr. Robert Bishop, who wanted it for the American Folk Art Museum, but it was not for sale at that time. "It would constitute a cornerstone for the collection," he said. $111,000 at the Hospital Show.

The Hill Gallery, 407 West Brown St, Birmingham, MI 48009, (248) 540-9288, info@hillgallery.com, www.hillgallery.com.