- 1
Two Fine Paiute Polychrome Pictorial Lidded Coiled Baskets by Lucy Telles (1885-1955)
Estimate
70,000 - 100,000 USD
Log in to view results
bidding is closed
Description
- grass
possibly made as a pair, of slightly compressed globular form, each tightly woven in sedge root, bracken fern root and redbud on willow foundations, each with a frieze of alternate designs including butterflies, flowers and hummingbirds surmounted by traingles edged in flame-like serration, additional hummingbirds descend from the rim; each lid centering a large butterfly, one with a flower.
Provenance
Collection of Mrs. Morgan Smith, Reno NV
Literature
These baskets are illustrated in a black-and-white photograph, ca. 1924, provided by Mrs. John Telles in Bates and Lee, Tradition and Innovation: A Basket History of the Indians of the Yosemite-Mono Lake Area, 1990, p. 173, pl. 323.
Condition
Both are in very good overal condition. The slightly smaller basket has minor stitch loss to the rim, and a few missing stitches on the body.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
For a discussion of Lucy Telles and related examples of her baskets see Bates and Lee, 1990, pp. 172-177: "Lucy Telles (Paiute name Pa-ma-has, meaning meadow) was born near Mono Lake...Lucy Telles learned the art of basketry from her mother, and as a young girl wove traditional baskets...Lucy Telles' reputation as a weaver was established by the 1920s...She entered her baskets in the Yosemite Indian Field Days basketry competitions and was a frequent prize winner, winning the first prize for best basket in 1924."