The University of Kansas
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Evolution of the Jayhawk
ICON Artworks is proud to pay tribute to the fascinating history of the beloved Kansas Jayhawk mascot, a mythical bird with origins rooted in the struggles of early Kansas settlers. By the end of the Civil War, “Jayhawkers” were synonymous with the impassioned people who made Kansas a Free State.
A perfect gift for students, faculty, alumni and fans alike, ICON Artworks is pleased to offer the entire “Evolution of the Jayhawk” mascots individually...or as a complete set of desktop sculptures for the first time ever!
- Created by acclaimed sculptor Robin Richerson of ICON Artworks
- Offered in Cast Pewter and Bronze Plated Cast Pewter
- Collection available in two sizes - "Small Jay" 5-inch and "BIG JAY" 8-INCH (including base)
- Each sculpture is mounted on a round, black Belgian marble base which can be customized or personalized with laser engraving to commemorate any event or achievement (e.g., Graduation). Click here to view custom engraving samples.
- Officially Licensed by the University of Kansas and Learfield IMG College Licensing
- First Edition is individually numbered, limited to 1000
- Includes a Certificate of Authenticity signed by the Artist
- MADE IN USA
ICON Artworks Cast Pewter is handcrafted by our team of skilled artisans with an antique finish in the highest quality, lead-free Fine Pewter alloy used for sculpture. After platinum, gold, and silver, pewter is the fourth-most-precious metal in the world. Pewter has been used since the Bronze Age because of its lustrous silver finish, its malleability, durability and its ability to capture incredibly fine detail. Pewter does not rust or deteriorate and can be enjoyed for generations. Out pewter alloys are also great for plating in bronze and other metals.
PLEASE NOTE REGARDING ENGRAVING: To include engraving, select "Add Engraving" when placing your order and input your message at "Checkout." Custom graphics or logos can be incorporated. Email us at Contact@iconartworks.com
Start your collection today! Rock Chalk Jayhawk...GO KU!
HISTORY OF KANSAS JAYHAWK
By the end of the Civil War, “Jayhawkers” were synonymous with the impassioned people who made Kansas a Free State.
Since the early 20th century, the Jayhawk mascot has undergone a number of physical and personality changes. In 1912, Henry Maloy, a KU student, and cartoonist for the university newspaper created a highly stylized, memorable version. According to legend, he gave it shoes. Why? For kicking opponents, of course.
In 1920, a dignified bird, perched on a KU monogram, came into use. In 1923, a more quaint, duck-like Jayhawk was adopted. A third alteration in the Jayhawk of the 1920s to win widespread acceptance came in the year of the great stoc
k-market crash....when in 1929, Forrest O. Calvin drew a grim-faced bird sporting talons that could maim.
In 1941, when the Great Depression gave way to the Second World War, a KU student and cartoonist for the University Daily Kansan by the name of Eugene “Yogi” Williams, sketched a Jayhawk that quickly gained popularity. His “Fighting Jayhawk” epitomized the wartime period and wore a scowl to match its ruffled tail feathers, appearing even more aggressive than its immediate predecessor.
But in 1946, fitting perfectly the happy mood of a victorious United States, KU student Harold “Hal” Sandy designed the “Happy Jayhawk” mascot that is still with us today...with only small modifications made in 2007 which included KU’s new Trajan font.
