Catalog: Sold Items: Regional Art (130)

A fine antique Navajo Indian rug centering a cross-filled complementary stepped diamond medallion, with four-corner Hooked diamond accents, solid color banded border, in beige dark brown, red, white and grey brown. Measuring approx. 7 ft. 3 in. by 4 ft.6 in. A fine antique native American textile in excellent antique condition.

Provenance

From the collection of American pop culture legend Andy Warhol sold at the sale of Warhol’s estate at Sotheby’s in New York on April, 28, 1988 lot # 2479 Warhol was an avid and knowledgeable collector of fine art, furniture, jewelry and decorative objects. Over time, his 27-room Manhattan townhouse was filled to overflowing with the fruits of his obsessions. Exquisite Art Deco furniture and American folk art vied for space with Navajo Indian blankets and Empire sofas. After Warhol's death, Sotheby's auction house was given the daunting task of inventorying the contents of the townhouse and selling them at what has become a series of legendary auctions, which Time magazine characterized as "the most extensive estate sale in history, and the glitziest."

Han Dynasty Cocoon Jar (206 BC-220 AD). The distinctively plump, ovoid form of this jar, imitating the shape of a silkworm cocoon, has a fair amount of the original paint remaining on the body. Characteristic swirling cloud / scroll designs in reddish-pink and white cold-paint pigments decorate the surface. This jar is in very good, “as excavated” condition with no visible repairs, one chip to the rim of the mouth (see photos), as well as some burial dirt still attached. Authenticity guaranteed. Measures approx. 12 1/2” wide x 10 1/2” high x 8 1/2” thick. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND: During the time of Han Emperor Wudi (140-87 B.C.), fascination with the idea of the afterlife and the search for immortality reached a pinnacle. This preoccupation was given physical form in the distinct swirling decorations of painted Han earthenware vessels. Along with a variety of other earthenware objects such as domestic animals, soldiers, and attendant figures, richly decorated vessels of this kind were placed in the tomb and intended to serve the spirit of the deceased in the afterlife.

A beautiful example of this exquisite art form in a floral vase on tinted silver foil background. Measuring approx. 6 inches tall 15.5 cm. In excellent condition no damage. A fine example would be a nice addition to any collection.

An exquisite example with a floral design motif on a gold foil background. Made with silver wire and I believe the box binding is sliver although tarnished. Measuring 4 x 3 x 2 1/4 inches in excellent condition no damage. This would be a fine addition to and collection.