100

Edward S. Curtis

(1868 - 1952)

The Potter Mixing Clay, 1921

photogravure on Japanese gampi tissue with original Van Gelder overmat
Japanese Gampi Tissue Paper
This original vintage photogravure is printed on handmade Japanese gampi ("tissue") paper. This is the rarest and most expensive of the three original paper stocks chosen by Curtis and J.P. Morgan for Curtis' North American Indian project. Because original purchasers had to pay a premium for a tissue impression, it is estimated that only 10-15% of Curtis' photogravures were made on this rare hand-made paper. J.P. Morgan, Edward Curtis, and The King of England were among the few who opted for these premium tissue prints. Tissue prints are noted for their subtlety, luminosity, and strength. Gampi papermaking is a millennia old tradition in Japan and the art is often handed down within a family from generation to generation over hundreds of years.

inscribed upper left: Plate 419
titled in plate, lower left: THE POTTER MIXING CLAY
inscribed in plate, lower center: From Copyright Photograph 1921 by E.S. Curtis
inscribed in plate, lower right: Photogravure Suffolk Eng. Co., Boston
sheet: 18 x 22 in. (45.7 x 55.9 cm.)

  • Provenance: The Christopher G. Cardozo Collection

    Publication History - Image:
    The North American Indian (1907-1930), Portfolio 12, Plate #419
  • Condition: This print and vintage Van Gelder overmat are in very good condition overall.
    The print has been backed, or lined, with another piece of gampi tissue paper. This has the effect of laterally stabilizing the print so that it is less susceptible to contraction and expansion from environmental conditions.


    The condition reports for the lots offered by Santa Fe Art Auction (SFAA) are provided as a courtesy and convenience for potential buyers. The reports are not intended to nor do they substitute for physical examination by a buyer or the buyer's advisors. The condition reports are prepared by SFAA staff members who are not art conservators or restorers, nor do they possess the qualifications needed for comprehensive evaluation. Each condition report is an opinion of the staff member and should not be treated as a statement of fact. The absence of a condition report does not imply anything as to the condition of a particular lot. Buyers are reminded that the limited warranties are set forth in the Terms and Conditions of Sale and do not extend to condition. Each lot is sold as-is.

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April 10, 2024 10:30 AM MDT
Santa Fe, NM, US

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