Welcome to our December Fine Arts and Collectibles Auction. Amongst a number of highlights, we have a number of pieces of Sepik River art from Papua New Guinea. Seldom visited, the Sepik River is one of the largest river systems in the world, known for its incredible natural beauty and unique tribal culture. Of the Boiken, Abelam and Sawos tribes, the Iatmul people who live along its banks are perhaps the best known for their works of art. Drawing their inspiration from a number of sources, including ritual events such as initiation ceremonies, mythical beings and daily life, Sepik River art is renowned for its unique and instantly recognizable sculptures and masks. Few other examples of tribal art match their flamboyance – often monumental in size, and usually distorted, using shells, paint and hair for adornment. A common theme in Sepik culture and found throughout their work, is the crocodile, symbolizing strength, power and virility. A fine example is the carved canoe prow, found in lot #159. These were often cut off and saved when the canoe was no longer useable. Traditionally the dominant culture of the Sepik River, the Iatmul were known as highly skilled head hunting raiders. Interest in collecting their tribal art started in the 60’s, and early collectors often used Iatmul guides, and based themselves in Iatmul villages. Sadly and unsurprisingly, the Sepik River is under environmental threat from mining and climate change, making their art even more collectible in the face of its demise, and the loss of yet another traditional culture.
Along with our Sepik River collection, there is a large selection of ethnographic art, including a spectacular carved west African mask, bronze Ashabtu kuduo, antique Balinese carvings,as well as a number of erotic carvings, from cruder representations in brass and bronze, to incredibly intricate Chinese carvings in bone.
Our whimsical Todd Warner buffalo and moose sculptures are dramatic pieces. Standing at over 5 feet tall, on fossilized coral bases, they are multi media creations, made from wood, clay, resin and steel .Born in 1945 and deceased in 2022, Todd Warner was an internationally recognized American artist known for his fantastical animal artwork. Exhibited in over 40 solo shows in the States and abroad, his work can be found in zoos, museums and private collections – including Zsa Zsa Gabor’s and in the headquarters of USA Today.
As well, we have several pieces of more traditional artwork, including a large colour etching by the Austrian artist Luigi Kasimir. Born in 1881, he was known for his pioneering colour etching technique using a multi plate process which helped to change the world of etching. With paintings on fabric, turtle’s shells and ostrich eggs, we pretty much run the gamut in this auction of different artistic mediums!
For the pipe collector, we have a large selection of antique Meerschaum pipes. Meerschaum means “sea foam” in German, and is a nod to the fact that it was often found by sailors floating in the Black Sea. These pipes are among the oldest smoking pipes created, and the earliest ones date back to the Ottoman Empire in the mid 1600’s.Although the name is German, Meerschaums today are associated with Turkish pipe making. Viewed by the upper class as art objects, these intricately carved figural masterpieces were often purchased as decorative status items to be displayed rather than smoked. The prized patina that Meerschaum takes on as they are used led the wealthy to hire people to smoke their Meers, or instruct the pipe maker to smoke the pipe for several weeks before delivery. The pipes in our current auction are but a small sampling of the collection our consignor amassed over his lifetime.
We have a fine collection of unusual collectibles, many of which would make unique and memorable Christmas gifts for the hard to buy for on your list! Please consider taking the time for a country drive out to Brantford to view the auction in person. Call John at 416 453 0920 if you have any questions, or to arrange a preview.
