Native American textiles steal the show at Moran’s
A Navajo Second Phase woman’s chief’s blanket. Price realized: $40,625. Moran’s image
MONROVIA, Calif. – Moran’s Art of the American West auction, featuring top-notch selections of textiles and First Phase jewelry from the collection of Cindy Tietze-Hodosh and Stuart Hodosh, achieved strong prices on March 15. Moran’s multifaceted approach to bidding meant many customers could bid from the safety and comfort of their home during this uncertain time, with much of the activity with online and phone bidders during the sale. Absentee and Internet live bidding was available through LiveAuctioneers.
A selection of 19th century textiles achieved the highest prices of the day at the auction. A rare Navajo Second Phase woman’s chief’s blanket with gorgeous bands of cochineal-dyed red, indigo blue and natural wool received strong interest before the auction. Two determined bidders drove the blanket past its $20,000 high estimate to sell for $40,625 (above). All prices realized include Moran’s 25% buyer’s premium.
A rare Classic Period manta from the late 19th century with vibrant colors was dyed with cochineal and lac dye and brought $28,125 at the block (below).
A Navajo Classic Period manta. Price realized: $28,125. Moran’s image
A complete Navajo woman’s dress sewn together and ready to wear went for $11,250.
Rare pieces of early Navajo silverwork were among the top-selling lots of the day. A concho belt from the late 19th century soared past its $6,000 high estimate to bring $13,750 (below). An early necklace with drops of turquoise-set fringe is an unusual example and brought $10,625.
A Navajo First Phase silver concho belt. Price realized: $13,750. Moran’s image
A gorgeous early squash blossom necklace with its handmade beads and sand-cast naja sold for $10,000 (PHOTO 4). Two early Navajo cuff bracelets were imbued with history and unsurprisingly brought $3,125.
An early Navajo squash blossom necklace. Price realized: $10,000. Moran’s image
Art from throughout the country performed well on Sunday. A statue from Ed Mell, Sidestepper, was one of Moran’s favorite lots heading into the auction and sold to a resolute bidder for $10,000.
Ed Mell (b. 1942, Phoenix, Ariz.), ‘Sidestepper,’ 2014, patinated bronze. Price realized: $10,000. Moran’s image
Moran’s was fortunate to bring several sculptures by David Lemon to auction on Sunday, chief among them was Cheyenne War Party Leader, which sold for $3,437.
David Lemon, (b. 1945, Montana/California), ‘Cheyenne War Chief,’ polychrome bronze. Price realized: $3,437. Moran’s image
A Lotta Bull, a vibrant and colorful work from Larry Pirnie, brought $3,437 at the block after a bidding war. A charming work by John “Jack” Dare Howland of a bison and prairie dog was a favorite leading up to the sale, bringing $3,125.
Next for Moran’s will be the March 29th Traditional Collector auction. To protect their guests and employees, all previews for these auctions will be held by appointment only and social distancing and good hygiene will be practiced. Detailed listings and photographs will be provided online for browsing from home. To stay informed with the latest updates to our response to the Coronavirus, please refer to www.johnmoran.com.
