Inuit and First Nations Art

Auction begins to close:
November 30, 2023 at 7:00 pm ET

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LOT 127

Lot 127

Donat Anawak ᐊᓇᑯᐊ (1920-1990)

Donat Anawak ᐊᓇᑯᐊ (1920-1990)
Lot 127 Details
Donat Anawak ᐊᓇᑯᐊ (1920-1990), Kangiqliniq (Rankin Inlet)

POT WITH HUNTER AND ANIMALS, CIRCA 1966

glazed ceramic
unsigned
11.5 x 9.25 x 9.5 in — 29.2 x 23.5 x 24.1 cm

Estimate $900-$1,200

Realised: $1,599
Price Includes Buyer's Premium ?

Lot Report

Additional Images
Donat Anawak ᐊᓇᑯᐊ (1920-1990)
  • Donat Anawak ᐊᓇᑯᐊ (1920-1990)
  • Donat Anawak ᐊᓇᑯᐊ (1920-1990)
  • Donat Anawak ᐊᓇᑯᐊ (1920-1990)
  • 3D Image
Provenance:

Private Collection, Toronto, ON

Note:

Some academics have argued that ceramics may have an early historic precedent in the Arctic dating back over 1000 years, later disappearing in all but the western-most reaches of Alaska. In 1963, as part of the expansion of the northern arts and crafts economic initiative at Kangiqliniq (Rankin Inlet), ceramics were re-introduced by Quebecois ceramicist Claude Grenier.

The idea of ceramics intrigued artists in Kangigliniq: the medium had the appeal of softness, immediacy, and produced no stone dust, which made working indoors possible through long winters. Early attempts at wheel-thrown pottery would be abandoned in favour of static building, with the artists free-handing sculptural forms.

The early 1960s were a period of artistic excitement and activity in Kangiqliniq. Many important artists including John Tiktak, George Arluk and John Kavik were actively experimenting with sculpture or drawing. Ceramics were also an important part of that moment.

Artist Shary Boyle participated in a collaborative show with key contemporary Kangiqliniq artists at the Esker Foundation in Calgary, in 2017. Boyle said of the early Kangiqliniq ceramic artists: “they were on fire, and clay afforded an elastic pliability that matched the speed of their imagination...” (1)

The present work exhibits a joyously off-kilter form and mossy glaze. Taking advantage of the roughly cylindrical format, the hunting or herding scene depicted contains both day and night, expressed by an opposing sun and moon.

1. Boyle, Shary. “Keeping Up with the Ceramic Artists of Kangiqliniq.” Inuit Art Quarterly. July 29, 2020. https://www.inuitartfoundation.org/iaq-online/keeping-up-with-the-ceramic-artists-of-kangiqliniq.

CONDITION DETAILS

Overall very good condition. Irregularities inherent in sculpture, minor imperfections.

Please contact the specialist for further condition information.

LOT 127
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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.