37

Edward S. Curtis

(1868 - 1952)

Waihusiwa, A Zuni Kyaqimassi, 1903

photogravure on Japanese gampi tissue mounted to Holland Van Gelder
A Kyáqimâssi is a "house chief," the most important of all Zuñi priests. Curtis photographed Waihusiwa with his mouth covered, calling attention to his eyes and adding a sense of mystery to his portrait. Curtis described Waihusiwa as "a highly spiritual man . . . one of the most steadfast of the Zuñi's priests in upholding the tradition of the native religion."

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 in plate, upper left: Plate 612
titled in plate, lower left: WAIHUSIWA, A ZUNI KYAQIMASSI
inscribed in plate, lower center: From Copyright Photograph 1903 by E.S. Curtis
inscribed in plate, lower right: Photogravure Suffolk Eng Co Cambridge Mass

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.
sheet: 22 x 18 in. (55.9 x 45.7 cm.); frame: 34 5/8 x 30 5/8 x 3/4 in. (87.9 x 77.8 x 1.9 cm.)

  • Provenance: The Christopher G. Cardozo Collection

    Publication History - Image:
    The North American Indian (1907-1930), Portfolio 17, Plate #612
  • Condition: This print and vintage Van Gelder overmat are in very good condition overall.

    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
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