Moran’s Art of the American West auction achieved high prices for 19th and early 20th century textiles and jewelry

Moran’s Art of the American West auction achieved high prices for 19th and early 20th century textiles and jewelry

• Textiles stole the show

• Early examples of Navajo silver captured attention

• Fine art achieved strong prices

MONROVIA, CA – 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 Sunday. Moran’s multi-faceted 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 our online and phone bidders during the sale.

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 (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. A complete Navajo woman’s dress sewn together and ready to wear went for $11,250.

Rare pieces of early Navajo silver work 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 at the block. A wonderful early necklace with drops of turquoise-set fringe is an unusual example and brought $10,625. A gorgeous early squash blossom necklace with its handmade beads and sandcast naja sold to a determined bidder for $10,000. Two early Navajo cuff bracelets were imbued with history and unsurprisingly brought $3,125.

Art from throughout the country performed well on Sunday. A wonderful 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. 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. 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. April will host the highly anticipated California & American Fine Art auction with a selection of turn of the century furnishings and design at the California Living auction. To protect our 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 Corona virus, please refer to jm.dev.hookson1.com.

For upcoming highlights, online catalogues, and more information on these sales, visit Moran’s website: jm.dev.hookson1.com. Bidding is now available online via Moran’s new mobile app Moran Mobile, available on both iOS and Android operating systems. Live bidding on a desktop is available through bid.johnmoran.com; bidding is also supported by telephone, absentee, or in person.

Consignment inquiries are always welcome.