Alaska, Inuit
Circa 1920
Coiled grass, natural dyes
Height 10" (25.4 cm); diameter 9" (22.9 cm)
Provenance: Private California collection; Christie's New York, June 2006, Lot 1683
Coiled basketry with openwork geometric patterning represents one of the most technically demanding traditions in Inuit material culture, the weaver controlling both the structure of the coil and the spacing of the openwork elements to achieve a consistent geometric rhythm across the full height of the vessel. Polychrome decoration introduced through dyed grass elements adds a further layer of visual complexity to a form already requiring sustained precision in its construction. Baskets of this type made circa 1920 represent the mature period of Inuit coiled basketry production, when the tradition remained active and technically uncompromised.
This basket is worked in coiled grass with an openwork geometric pattern running the upper register and polychrome decoration concentrated at the lower body, the combination of techniques giving the piece a strong visual contrast between its structural and decorative zones. The form is tall and cylindrical with a well-defined base, the coiling tight and even throughout. Provenance traces to a private California collection and Christie's New York, June 2006, Lot 1683.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
Alaska, Inuit
Circa 1920
Coiled grass, natural dyes
Height 10" (25.4 cm); diameter 9" (22.9 cm)
Provenance: Private California collection; Christie's New York, June 2006, Lot 1683
Coiled basketry with openwork geometric patterning represents one of the most technically demanding traditions in Inuit material culture, the weaver controlling both the structure of the coil and the spacing of the openwork elements to achieve a consistent geometric rhythm across the full height of the vessel. Polychrome decoration introduced through dyed grass elements adds a further layer of visual complexity to a form already requiring sustained precision in its construction. Baskets of this type made circa 1920 represent the mature period of Inuit coiled basketry production, when the tradition remained active and technically uncompromised.
This basket is worked in coiled grass with an openwork geometric pattern running the upper register and polychrome decoration concentrated at the lower body, the combination of techniques giving the piece a strong visual contrast between its structural and decorative zones. The form is tall and cylindrical with a well-defined base, the coiling tight and even throughout. Provenance traces to a private California collection and Christie's New York, June 2006, Lot 1683.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
