Description

Mabry Mill Ornament by P. Buckley Moss

Content & Subject

Mabry Mill Ornament by P. Buckley Moss is a numbered, limited edition porcelain ornament that pays tribute to one of America’s most beloved historic landmarks — the Mabry Mill on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia. A celebrated image of pastoral peace and Appalachian heritage, this piece perfectly reflects Moss’s gift for capturing the quiet dignity of rural life and the timeless beauty of America’s landscapes.

At the heart of the composition stands the iconic watermill, its weathered wood and turning wheel mirrored in the still water below. A graceful white swan glides peacefully across the pond, adding a touch of purity and elegance to the tranquil scene. The mill’s reflection, perfectly rendered, doubles the sense of harmony and calm. Behind it, soft autumn hues of rose, sage, and russet weave together in a serene forest backdrop, suggesting the peaceful rhythm of changing seasons.

Through Mabry Mill Ornament, Moss invites the viewer to pause and reflect on the enduring connection between nature, tradition, and human craftsmanship — a theme central to her body of work.

Style & Technique

Rendered in Moss’s signature folk-art watercolor style, Mabry Mill Ornament captures a rich tapestry of color and texture. The smooth porcelain surface enhances the subtle transparency of her paint layers, allowing every brushstroke to contribute to the serenity of the composition. The muted greens, browns, and silvery blues evoke the freshness of early morning mist settling over the Blue Ridge.

Each ornament is hand-numbered, gift boxed, and includes a cord for hanging, or can be displayed on a tiny easel (sold separately). The gold-trimmed circular border adds a refined touch, framing the artwork like a precious window into Virginia’s history.

Moss’s attention to reflection, perspective, and the symmetry between the natural and the manmade demonstrates her mastery of balance — the wheel turning in quiet perpetuity beside the gentle glide of the swan. This harmony gives the piece a meditative quality that continues to draw collectors back to the Mabry Mill motif across her many works.

Mood & Inspiration

The mood of Mabry Mill Ornament is tranquil, nostalgic, and reverent. Moss first painted Mabry Mill as a tribute to her adopted home state of Virginia, where she spent much of her life capturing the beauty of its landscapes and the spirit of its people. The mill, a working watermill built in the early 1900s by Edwin Mabry, became one of her most cherished symbols of hard work, perseverance, and harmony with nature.

In Mabry Mill Ornament, Moss transforms the historic site into a symbol of grace and timeless endurance. The inclusion of the swan adds a layer of purity and renewal — a gentle reminder that beauty and peace often flow from life’s simplest places. The warm palette and still water create a feeling of reflection, both literal and emotional, that speaks to the soul of the American countryside.

Mabry Mill Ornament is not merely a depiction of a place — it’s a quiet moment of gratitude for heritage, craftsmanship, and the enduring light of tradition.

Placement & Gift Ideas

Mabry Mill Ornament is a versatile treasure perfect for both holiday decorating and year-round display. It complements rustic, traditional, and nature-inspired settings beautifully, whether hung on a Christmas tree, placed on a mantel, or displayed on a miniature easel in a study or sunroom.

As a gift, it’s ideal for collectors of historic landmarks, nature enthusiasts, and those who cherish Appalachian heritage. It also makes a thoughtful keepsake for travelers who have visited the Blue Ridge Parkway or anyone who values serenity and reflection in art. Each ornament is gift boxed and includes a Certificate of Authenticity, making it ready to gift or treasure for generations.

Includes a Certificate of Authenticity. (see FAQs)

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🏞️ Fun Fact:
Mabry Mill, located at milepost 176.1 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, is one of the most photographed spots in Virginia. 🌾 Its waterwheel still turns today, drawing visitors year-round to witness its enduring charm and peaceful reflection — a scene Moss lovingly captures in this ornament.

🎨 Collector’s Insight:
Collectors cherish Mabry Mill Ornament as one of the most serene and historically inspired pieces in the Moss Historic Landmark Collection. 💫 The combination of architectural detail, natural reflection, and the elegant swan make it an iconic Moss design — a perfect representation of her respect for history, craftsmanship, and the quiet grace of nature.

2010

Size: 3-5/16 inches diameter.

Any number of ornaments ship for the flat rate of $12.60

🎁 Available through Canada Goose Gallery in Waynesville, Ohio — your trusted source for the art of P. Buckley Moss.