Robert Charles Davidson (Guud San Glans), OC, OBC, RCA (b. 1946)
PENDANT, 2004
signed and dated
dimensions without bail (hoop) 1.875 x 1.375 in — 4.8 x 3.5 cm
May 28, 2026
Estimate $7,000-$9,000
Realised: $8,125
The present work is designed and executed by master carver and goldsmith Robert Charles Davidson.
Elaborate adornment was commonplace among nobles on the Northern Northwest Coast at the time of the earliest contact with Europeans, however it was not until the 19th century that bracelets were made in silver, and later gold by Haida artists. The great Charles Edenshaw (Daax’igang) is often cited as the first Haida carver to work in these materials.[1]
The most well known and perhaps most highly regarded modern artists working in gold have been Bill Reid and Robert Davidson—both notably descendants of Edenshaw.
The present 22 karat gold pendant exhibits a fluidity of form, and sense of balance within the narrow confines of the form, a great achievement of artistic agility on the part of Robertson.
Despite significant demand, Davidson is known for his relatively small production in gold, which primarily encompasses objects made for private, cultural, and gallery commissions. Waddington’s is pleased to offer two works in gold by Davidson in our Spring Major Auction, the present lot, and lot 111.
[1] Dictionary of Canadian Biography, “Charles Edenshaw”, last modified 13 April 2026, https://www.biographi.ca/en/bio/edenshaw_charles_14E.html
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