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Waddington's

Major Fall Auction: Inuit Art

Auction begins to close:
November 20, 2025 at 6:00 pm ET

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LOT 121

Lot 121

Unidentified Artist

Unidentified Artist
Lot 121 Details
Unidentified Artist, Labrador

SHIP'S OFFICER OR CLERK, CA. 1900

ivory, pigment
unsigned; accompanied by stand
2.75 x 1.5 x .5 in — 7 x 3.8 x 1.3 cm

Estimate $3,000-$5,000

Realised: $3,000
Price Includes Buyer's Premium ?

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Lot Report

Additional Images
Unidentified Artist
  • Unidentified Artist
  • Unidentified Artist
  • Unidentified Artist
Provenance:

Private Collection, Vancouver, BC

Note:

Small ivories were among some of the earliest recorded objects traded by Labrador Inuit to Europeans. A popular souvenir of travels to the region, by the 19th century, examples could be found in numerous whaling, fur trading, and missionary collections in Europe and North America.

The present example is both unusually large for its type, and exceptionally finely detailed. Likely dating to the late 19th or early 20th century, the sculpture appears to depict a ship's officer, or perhaps a trade clerk. The figure is fitted with with a winterized cap, and small satchel carved independently from the body of the figure, suspended with a delicate length of sinew.

CONDITION DETAILS

Please contact the specialist for further condition information.

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LOT 121
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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.