Description:

Robert Charles Davidson (b. 1946), Haida

HAPPY BLOWHOLE PENDANT, 1992

inscribed RD, dated and numbered 8/12

Estimate: $12,000—15,000 CAD

Important:
This lot is located in Vancouver. Local pick up by special arrangement; shipment from Vancouver only.

    Provenance:
  • Private Collection, British Columbia
  • Dimensions:
  • 2.5 x 2 in — 6.4 x 5.1 cm
  • Artist Name:
  • Robert Charles Davidson (b. 1946)
  • Medium:
  • sterling silver, abalone
  • Notes:
  • Celebrated Haida artist Robert Davidson is renowned for his mastery of traditional Haida art forms, including silver jewellery design. One of his notable creations is the "Happy Blowhole” pendant, a striking piece that skillfully balances contemporary design with traditional Haida visual language. Originally cast in bronze, Davidson also cast an edition in gold and a select edition of twelve in silver.

    Central to the pendant's imagery is a blowhole, a biological attribute of the whale but also a geological feature found along the rugged coastline of Haida Gwaii. For the Haida people, the blowhole holds spiritual significance, symbolising the connection between the land, the sea, and the creatures that inhabit them. The pendant also contains a humanoid face, a chief with an enormous smile. An eagle, or perhaps a thunderbird, can also be seen in the design.

    The depiction of a humanoid face inside the blowhole of an orca is an old motif in Haida art. Orcas are of great significance in Haida mythology and are sometimes said to be the reincarnation of great chiefs, who when undersea, can remove their orca skins to reveal their human form.

    The mystery of the pendant begins upon inspection. Elements of each figure in the design, such as the nose of the figure in the blowhole, integrate with the other elements to complete distinct images, which are also unified (in this case the nose of the concealed figure is also the dorsal fluke of the whale, and the beak of a bird). The characteristics of each figure fluidly combine with the others to create a dynamic energy captured within the piece. The mythical imagery of the pendant allows for the viewer to indulge in creative wonder while simultaneously appreciating Haida culture.

    What truly sets the "Happy Blowhole" pendant apart is the sense of joy and whimsy that radiates from its design. Davidson's interpretation of the blowhole is infused with a sense of playfulness, as if the pendant itself is alive with a joyous vitality. The curves of the silver seem to dance and swirl, capturing the dynamic energy of the ocean waves, the abalone details complementing the silver to make this a truly special piece.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

The Auctioneers will not undertake packing or shipping. The purchaser must designate and arrange for the services of an independent shipper and be responsible for all shipping and insurance expenses. The Auctioneers will, upon request, provide names of professional packers and shippers but will not be held responsible for the service or have any liability for providing this information. Reliable pre-auction estimates of shipping costs of lots offered in this sale may be obtained from:

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CITES WARNING:
Restrictions exist regarding the import and export of species protected under CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species). This includes but is not limited to items made of or containing bone (whalebone etc.), ivory, tortoise shell, seal skin, rhinoceros horn and any other animal part and is strictly controlled or forbidden by most countries. Please review your country's laws before bidding on pieces made of or containing these restricted items. It is the sole responsibility of the buyer to inquire about and obtain the proper permits for artwork purchased that may contain restricted materials, if such permit can be obtained. Please contact the department for further assistance. For more information please visit www.cites.org

June 27, 2024 11:00 AM PDT
Vancouver, BC, CA

Waddington's

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
CA$0 CA$199 CA$10
CA$200 CA$499 CA$20
CA$500 CA$999 CA$50
CA$1,000 CA$1,999 CA$100
CA$2,000 CA$4,999 CA$200
CA$5,000 CA$9,999 CA$500
CA$10,000 CA$19,999 CA$1,000
CA$20,000 CA$49,999 CA$2,000
CA$50,000 CA$99,999 CA$5,000
CA$100,000 CA$299,999 CA$10,000
CA$300,000 CA$999,999 CA$25,000
CA$1,000,000 CA$1,999,999 CA$50,000
CA$2,000,000 CA$2,999,999 CA$100,000
CA$3,000,000 CA$4,999,999 CA$200,000
CA$5,000,000 + CA$300,000