The Art of Canada Auction (Inuit Art)

May 30, 2016

LOT 35

Lot 35

RUFUS MOODY, C.M., QUEEN CHARLOTTE ISLANDS/HAIDA GWAII

RUFUS MOODY, C.M., QUEEN CHARLOTTE ISLANDS/HAIDA GWAII
Lot 35 Details
RUFUS MOODY, C.M., QUEEN CHARLOTTE ISLANDS/HAIDA GWAII, Skidegate, Haida Gwaii

LIDDED BOX, ALL FOUR SIDES RELIEF CARVED WITH FROG IMAGERY & INSET DETAIL, THE FEET OF THE VESSEL CARVED AS INDIVIDUAL FROGS ALSO WITH INSET EYES

argillite, abalone shell
signed in Roman
5 ins x 8.5 ins x 9 ins; 12.7 cms x 21.6 cms x 22.9 cms

Estimate $6,000-$9,000

Realised: $6,000
Price Includes Buyer's Premium ?

Lot Report

Additional Images
RUFUS MOODY, C.M., QUEEN CHARLOTTE ISLANDS/HAIDA GWAII
  • RUFUS MOODY, C.M., QUEEN CHARLOTTE ISLANDS/HAIDA GWAII
  • RUFUS MOODY, C.M., QUEEN CHARLOTTE ISLANDS/HAIDA GWAII
  • RUFUS MOODY, C.M., QUEEN CHARLOTTE ISLANDS/HAIDA GWAII
  • RUFUS MOODY, C.M., QUEEN CHARLOTTE ISLANDS/HAIDA GWAII
  • RUFUS MOODY, C.M., QUEEN CHARLOTTE ISLANDS/HAIDA GWAII
  • RUFUS MOODY, C.M., QUEEN CHARLOTTE ISLANDS/HAIDA GWAII
  • RUFUS MOODY, C.M., QUEEN CHARLOTTE ISLANDS/HAIDA GWAII
  • RUFUS MOODY, C.M., QUEEN CHARLOTTE ISLANDS/HAIDA GWAII
  • RUFUS MOODY, C.M., QUEEN CHARLOTTE ISLANDS/HAIDA GWAII
Note:

One of three generations of Haida artists, Rufus Moody began carving in the 1940s in the style of his grandfather, Thomas and father, Arthur. Working primarily in argillite from Skidegate, which he mined himself, Moody created a variety of intricate works, from relief carved totem poles to model longhouses. In the 1950s he began to carve on a larger scale. His work is admired internationally and appears in museums, private and corporate collections.

While the Haida have been carving argillite for trade since the 1820s, mostly as panel pipes and model totem poles, carving argillite boxes began in the 1880s and were inspired by the larger bentwood boxes from the northern part of the Northwest Coast.

This ingenious work from Moody combines both skill and design. Each side is carved with a different design and each has inlaid abalone shell to highlight the eyes, including the lid which depicts faces seemingly arranged around a drum or blanket. Traditionally, frogs were carved on house posts to prevent them from falling down. This piece utilizes frogs to uphold all four corners of the box.

CONDITION DETAILS

For condition information please contact the specialist.

LOT 35
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About Condition Ratings

  • 5 Stars: Excellent - No discernable damage, flaws or imperfections
  • 4 Stars: Very Good - Minor flaws or imperfections visible only under close inspection using specialised instruments or black light
  • 3 Stars: Good - Minor flaws visible upon inspection under standard lighting
  • 2 Stars: Fair - Exhibits flaws or damage that may draw the eye under standard lighting
  • 1 Star: Poor - Flaws or damage immediately apparent under standard lighting (examples: missing components, rips, broken glass, damaged surfaces, etc.)

Note: Condition ratings and condition details are the subjective opinions of our specialists and should be used as a guide only. Waddington’s uses due care when preparing condition details, however, our staff are not professional restorers or conservators. Condition details and reports are not warranties and each lot is sold “as is” in accordance with the buyer’s terms and conditions of sale. In all cases the prospective purchaser is responsible for inspecting the property themselves prior to placing a bid.