Harrison Begay

(Diné, 1917-2012)

Tinwork Box, with Talking God and Water Sprinkler Painting

signed lower right

image size 5 x 4 inches; hinged box height 1-3/4 inches x length 5-1/2 inches x width 4-1/2 inches

Around 1949, a Tucson-based interior decorator began incorporating small gouache paintings by Harrison Begay beneath glass as decorative inserts for cigarette and coffee-table boxes. The tinwork boxes themselves were fabricated by a local craftsman, creating a distinctive fusion of fine art and functional design characteristic of mid-century Southwestern interiors

This lot is located in Cincinnati.

Condition
Light water stain along lower right margin.

Signature
signed lower rightimage size 5 x 4 inches; hinged box height 1-3/4 inches x length 5-1/2 inches x width 4-1/2 inchesAround 1949, a Tucson-based interior decorator began incorporating small gouache paintings by Harrison Begay beneath glass as decorative inserts for cigarette and coffee-table boxes. The tinwork boxes themselves were fabricated by a local craftsman, creating a distinctive fusion of fine art and functional design characteristic of mid-century Southwestern interiors