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CLOSED THURSDAY 21 August 2025 AT 2:00 PM ET
Prices Realized for the lots above include Buyer's Premium.
Omitted lot numbers represent items that were withdrawn, passed, or unsold.
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WORKS
The absence of condition does not imply that an item is free from defects, nor does a reference to particular defects imply the absence of any others.
Many countries prohibit or restrict importation or exportation of property containing ivory, tortoiseshell, whale bone, sealskin, and/or products derived from other endangered or protected species, and require special licenses or permits in order to import or export such property. It is the responsibility of the buyer to ensure that the item is properly and lawfully exported / imported.
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Currents of Collecting
Nautical Themes from theColin John Grasset Molson (C.J.G ) Collection
Colin John Grasset Molson, C.J.G. to his contemporaries, was not only a scion of one of Montreal’s most recognizable families but was also one of La Guilde’s (also the Guild and formerly the Canadian Handicrafts Guild) most enduring champions.
Having joined the Canadian Handicrafts Guild in 1936, Molson would go on to chair its shop committee for over a quarter century, and from 1952 to 1954, serve as president of its Quebec branch. While these are administrative facts, they're also clues pointing to a larger truth: that Molson’s influence was foundational in shaping how Inuit art entered Canada’s institutional imagination.
In 1949, it was Molson, alongside Alice Lighthall, who encouraged James Houston to return to the Arctic with the explicit goal of acquiring more Inuit carvings [1]. That seemingly innocuous gesture helped set into motion what would become the contemporary Inuit art movement.
Among the many remarkable works in this collection, several of which will feature in our future upcoming sales, marine subjects surface often: boats, fish, shoreline life. For Mr Molson, it seems, the water wasn’t simply a subject, it’s a throughline.
For a family primarily famed for fine brewing, the abundance of maritime subjects in an art collection may seem odd at first glance. History, however, may reveal the nautical motifs’ source. In the early 1800s Montreal’s waterfront was shaped by merchants who “built wharves in front of their warehouses” and John Molson was among them [2]. In 1809 he launched Accommodation, “the first Canadian steamer” and by 1830 he “owned 36 ships, the largest fleet of steamers in North America” [3].
Molson’s brewery and shipyard stood shoulder to shoulder on the banks of the St. Lawrence, where steam met grain and business flowed in both directions. So of course there are boats in the art collection. How could there not be? The family’s legacy was forged as much in rivets and riverways as in hops and heritage.
We are pleased to offer a selection of works from the collection in our August Online Auction. Artworks that reflect not only C.J.G. Molson’s discerning eye but the deep currents of history that shaped his vision.
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Lot 1
UNIDENTIFIED INUIT ARTIST, KIMMIRUT (LAKE HARBOUR)
Two Seals, c. late 1950s / early 1960s
each stone, largest, 2 x 2.25 x 5 in (5.1 x 5.7 x 12.7 cm) and smaller
ESTIMATE: $80 — $120
PRICE REALIZED: $317.20
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Lot 2
ADAMIE ALAKU QAQUTU (1943-1964) PUVIRNITUQ (POVUNGNITUK)
Pair of Seals, Resting on an Ice Floe, 1961
stone, 0.75 x 3 x 1.5 in (1.9 x 7.6 x 3.8 cm)
ESTIMATE: $80 — $120
PRICE REALIZED: $134.20
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Lot 3
LOUISA, PUVIRNITUQ (POVUNGNITUK)
Bird's Eyeview of Two Otters in the Water with a Fish, 1957
stone, 1.25 x 9 x 5 in (3.2 x 22.9 x 12.7 cm)
ESTIMATE: $250 — $350
PRICE REALIZED: $122.00
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Lot 4
IPILOOK, KINNGAIT (CAPE DORSET)
Char Moving in the Flow, 1962
stone, 4 x 14 x 3 in (10.2 x 35.6 x 7.6 cm)
ESTIMATE: $400 — $600
PRICE REALIZED: $2,074.00
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Lot 5
PUDLO PUDLAT (1916-1992) KINNGAIT (CAPE DORSET)
Untitled (Skies and Seas: Airplanes over Whaling Boats and Seals), 1977/78
coloured pencil, felt tip markers, and acrylic paint on Arches watermarked paper, 22.25 x 30 in (56.5 x 76.2 cm)
ESTIMATE: $400 — $600
PRICE REALIZED: $585.60
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Lot 6
Probably SIMIGAK SIMEONIE (1939-2004) KINNGAIT (CAPE DORSET)
Lounging Seal, 1962
stone, 3.75 x 11 x 3.75 in (9.5 x 27.9 x 9.5 cm)
ESTIMATE: $250 — $350
PRICE REALIZED: $122.00
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Lot 7
LUCY MEEKO (1929-2004) KUUJJUARAPIK (GREAT WHALE RIVER) and DANIEL INUKPUK (1942- ) INUKJUAK (PORT HARRISON)
Three Works: A Man and His Wife, Eskimos with the Umiak, and Wolves Running After Caribou, 1976 #6, 1972 #23, and 1973 #6
stonecuts, various sizes.
ESTIMATE: $150 — $250
PRICE REALIZED: $73.20
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Lot 8
NOAH ECHALOOK (1946-) INUKJUAK (PORT HARRISON)
Going Hunting, Arctic Québec, 1972 #11
stonecut, 16.5 x 21.75 in (41.9 x 55.2 cm)
ESTIMATE: $50 — $80
PRICE REALIZED: $48.80
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Lot 9
TIVI ETOK (1928-) KANGIQSUALUJJUAQ (GEORGE RIVER)
Four Works: The Old Way of Hunting Walrus by Kayak, Why The Sea Animals Have Gone, The Traditional Way of Fishing I, and The Whale Hunt, 1976 (1975) #16, #2, #6, and #5
stonecuts, various sizes
ESTIMATE: $300 — $500
PRICE REALIZED: $183.00
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Lot 11
UNIDENTIFIED INUIT ARTIST, EASTERN CANADIAN ARCTIC
Model Whale Boat, c. 1953
whale bone, cotton fabric, string, and ivory, 5.5 x 6.5 x 2.75 (14 x 16.5 x 7 cm)
ESTIMATE: $800 — $1,200
PRICE REALIZED: $671.00
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Lot 12
SIMON SHAIMAIYUK (1915-1999) PANNIRTUQ (PANGNIRTUNG)
Recollection of the Whalers Boat, 1984 #30
stonecut, 22 x 29 in (55.9 x 73.7 cm)
ESTIMATE: $150 — $250
PRICE REALIZED: $85.40
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Lot 13
UNIDENTIFIED INUIT ARTIST, EASTERN CANADIAN ARCTIC
Model Kayak, c. late 1950s / early 1960s
sealskin, wood, ivory, and sinew, 2.25 x 22 x 3.75 in (5.7 x 55.9 x 9.5 cm)
ESTIMATE: $350 — $500
PRICE REALIZED: $439.20
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Lot 14
UNIDENTIFIED ARTIST, KUUJJUAQ (FORT CHIMO)
Model Umiak, c. 1960
sealskin, bone, and wood, vessel: 20 x 9 x 4 in (50.8 x 22.9 x 10.2 cm) / each paddle, length, 17 in (43.2 cm)
ESTIMATE: $500 — $800
PRICE REALIZED: $268.40
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Lot 15
UNIDENTIFIED INUIT ARTIST, EASTERN CANADIAN ARCTIC
Model Kayak, c. late 1950s
sealskin, wood, sinew, ivory, metal, and thread, 3.25 x 27.5 x 5.25 (8.3 x 69.8 x 13.3 cm)
ESTIMATE: $350 — $500
PRICE REALIZED: $414.80
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Lot 16
ELIZABETH SIRPALU NAPATU (1916-D) PUVIRNITUQ (POVUNGNITUK)
Laden Hunter, Stopping to Rest, 1959
stone, 7.75 x 6 x 5 in (19.7 x 15.2 x 12.7 cm)
ESTIMATE: $500 — $800
PRICE REALIZED: $366.00
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Lot 17
MOSES TALIA QUMA (1920-D) AKULIVIK
Man Subduing a Seal, 1958
stone and waxed string, 4.75 x 7.25 x 4.25 in (12.1 x 18.4 x 10.8 cm)
ESTIMATE: $200 — $400
PRICE REALIZED: $292.80
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Lot 18
UNIDENTIFIED INUIT ARTIST, NUNAVIK (ARCTIC QUEBEC)
Hunter with Captured Seal on the Journey Home, 1955
stone, leather, waxed string, and antler, 7 x 4.5 x 4 in (7.8 x 11.4 x 10.2 cm)
ESTIMATE: $500 — $800
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Lot 19
KEELEEMEEOOMEE SAMUALIE (1919-1983) KINNGAIT (CAPE DORSET)
Whale Hunt of Old, 1983 #7
stonecut and stencil, 19.75 x 26 in (50.2 x 66 cm)
ESTIMATE: $250 — $350
PRICE REALIZED: $122.00
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Lot 20
PITSEOLAK ASHOONA, R.C.A., O.C., (1904-1983) KINNGAIT (CAPE DORSET)
To Rescue a Drowning Man, 1983 (Lithographs Folio 1984, L6)
lithograph, 26 x 20 in (66 x 50.8 cm)
ESTIMATE: $250 — $350
PRICE REALIZED: $512.40
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Lot 23
UNIDENTIFIED ARTIST, NAUJAAT (REPULSE BAY)
Fish in a Cooking Pot, 1961
stone, 0.5 x 4 x 1.25 in (1.3 x 10.2 x 3.2 cm)
ESTIMATE: $100 — $200
PRICE REALIZED: $122.00
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Lot 24
HAROLD QARLIKSAQ (1928-1980) QAMANI'TUAQ (BAKER LAKE)
Men Jigging for Fish, 1978 #25
linocut and stencil, 19.5 x 24.25 in (49.5 x 61.6 cm)
ESTIMATE: $200 — $400
PRICE REALIZED: $183.00
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Lot 25
MOSES ECHALOOK (1931-D? ) INUKJUAK (PORT HARRISON)
Sculpin, c. late 1950s / early 1960s
stone, 3.25 x 8.5 x 2.75 in (8.3 x 21.6 x 7 cm)
ESTIMATE: $250 — $350
PRICE REALIZED: $536.80
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Lot 27
ETOSACK SAMSACK (1916-1976), INUKJUAK (PORT HARRISON)
Arctic Lamprey, 1959
stone, 2.25 x 10 x 2 in (5.7 x 25.4 x 5.1 cm)
ESTIMATE: $150 — $250
PRICE REALIZED: $390.40
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Lot 28
PAT DIXON (1938-2015) HAIDA / CALVIN BELL (1950-), HAIDA, MASSET / RICHARD SILAS YELTATZIE (1955-1974) HAIDA
Three Pendants, Oct 2002 / c. 2000s / Jan 1974
each argillite, the first an opposing eagle and killer whale by Pat Dixon, 2.5 x 2 x 0.25 in (6.3 x 5.1 x 0.6 cm)
ESTIMATE: $200 — $300
PRICE REALIZED: $231.80
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Lot 29
UNIDENTIFIED NORTHWEST COAST ARTIST
Spirit Wolf Buckle, c. 1970s / 1980s
carved and incised silver, 1.5 x 2.25 in (3.8 x 5.7 cm)
ESTIMATE: $100 — $200
PRICE REALIZED: $292.80
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Lot 30
CLAUDE DAVIDSON (1924-1991), HAIDA, MASSET / ED RUSS (1953-2006), HAIDA
Three Pendants, 1974 & c. 1990s
the first, by Claude Davidson, argillite, 2 x 1.5 x 0.25 in (5.1 x 3.8 x 0.6 cm)
ESTIMATE: $200 — $300
PRICE REALIZED: $366.00
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Lot 31
KANANGINAK POOTOOGOOK, R.C.A. (1935-2010) KINNGAIT (CAPE DORSET)
Twilight Gathering, 2007 (2008, Special Release)
stonecut and stencil on paper, 18 x 16 in (45.7 x 40.6 cm)
ESTIMATE: $600 — $900
PRICE REALIZED: $2,928.00
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Lot 32
ANIRNIK OSHUITOQ (1902-1983) KINNGAIT (CAPE DORSET)
Fabulous Geese, c. 1965
silkscreen on linen fabric, 49 x 106.5 in (124.5 x 270.5 cm)
ESTIMATE: $1,500 — $2,500
PRICE REALIZED: $1,586.00
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Lot 33
PUDLO PUDLAT (1916-1992) KINNGAIT (CAPE DORSET)
My Youthful Fantasy, 1985 #34
stonecut and stencil, 23.25 x 32 in (59.1 x 81.3 cm)
ESTIMATE: $500 — $800
PRICE REALIZED: $366.00
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Lot 34
UNIDENTIFIED JAMES BAY (EASTERN) CREE ARTIST
Family of Tamarack Geese, c. 1980s
tamarack twigs and sting, the largest: 7.25 x 7 x 5.5 in (18.4 x 17.8 x 14 cm)
ESTIMATE: $100 — $150
PRICE REALIZED: $219.60
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Lot 35
UNIDENTIFIED CREE ARTIST
Beaded Drawstring Bag, c. 1980s
hide, cotton fabric and cotton thread, glass beads, 15.5 x 10 in (39.4 x 25.4 cm)
ESTIMATE: $400 — $600
PRICE REALIZED: $366.00
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Lot 36
UNIDENTIFIED ARTIST, POSSIBLY PUVIRNITUQ (POVUNGNITUK)
Harpoon Head, early 1960s
ivory, metal, and black ink, 6.5 x 0.75 x 1 in (16.5 x 1.9 x 2.5 cm)
ESTIMATE: $150 — $200
PRICE REALIZED: $134.20
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Lot 37
TOMMY NUVAQIRQ (1911-1982) PANNIRTUQ (PANGNIRTUNG)
They Shared the Aivik (Walrus), 1984 #23
stencil, 17.25 x 22.5 in (43.8 x 57.1 cm)
ESTIMATE: $100 — $200
PRICE REALIZED: $109.80
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Lot 38
Probably DANIEL OWEETALUKTUK (1934-D?) INUKJUAK (PORT HARRISON)
Father and Son, Returning from a Hunt, 1959
the father: stone and ivory, 5.5 x 2.25 x 2.5 in (14 x 5.7 x 6.3 cm)
ESTIMATE: $400 — $600
PRICE REALIZED: $268.40
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Lot 39
DAVID OMINGMAK (1944-) ULUKHAKTOK (HOLMAN ISLAND)
The Provider, 1983 #20
stencil, 19.75 x 26 in (50.2 x 66 cm)
ESTIMATE: $150 — $250
PRICE REALIZED: $85.40
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Lot 40
DAVIDEE KASUDLUAK (1913-D) INUKJUAK (PORT HARRISON)
Otter, 1958
stone, 3 x 10.25 x 2 in (7.6 x 26 x 5.1 cm)
ESTIMATE: $250 — $350
PRICE REALIZED: $2,440.00
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Lot 41
JOHNNY INUKPUK JR. (1930-1984) INUKJUAK (PORT HARRISON)
Portrait of an Inuk with a Bright Smile, early-mid 1960s
stone, 5 x 4.5 x 3.25 in (12.7 x 11.4 x 8.3 cm)
ESTIMATE: $350 — $500
PRICE REALIZED: $146.40
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Lot 42
WEETALTUK, KUUJJUARAPIK (GREAT WHALE RIVER) or INUKJUAK (PORT HARRISON)
Dog, Low and Advancing, 1959
stone, 4 x 8 x 1.75 in (10.2 x 20.3 x 4.4 cm)
ESTIMATE: $300 — $500
PRICE REALIZED: $414.80
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Lot 43
NOAH TUKI (1925-1990) INUKJUAK (PORT HARRISON)
Swimming Eider Duck, 1959
stone, 4.75 x 9 x 3.25 in (12.1 x 22.9 x 8.3 cm)
ESTIMATE: $200 — $300
PRICE REALIZED: $244.00
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Lot 44
AISAPIK QUMA IGAUJA (1915-1979) PUVIRNITUQ (POVUNGNITUK)
Falcon Perched on Rock, 1961
stone, 5.75 x 3.75 x 3.5 in (14.6 x 9.5 x 8.9 cm)
ESTIMATE: $350 — $500
PRICE REALIZED: $488.00
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Lot 45
JOHNNY INUKPUK, R.C.A. (1911-2007) INUKJUAK (PORT HARRISON)
Swimming Duck, 1958
stone, 3.5 x 9.25 x 3 in (8.9 x 23.5 x 7.6 cm)
ESTIMATE: $300 — $500
PRICE REALIZED: $146.40
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Lot 46
UNIDENTIFIED INUIT ARTISTS
Three Ulus, c. 1980s
each metal and antler, the largest: 5.75 x 5.75 x 1.5 in (14.6 x 14.6 x 3.8 cm)
ESTIMATE: $250 — $350
PRICE REALIZED: $219.60
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Lot 47
AOUDLA PUDLAT (1951-2006) KINNGAIT (CAPE DORSET)
Woman at Inukshuk Point, 1983 (1986 Special Release)
lithograph, 30 x 23.5 in (76.2 x 59.7 cm)
ESTIMATE: $300 — $500
PRICE REALIZED: $150.00
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Lot 49
Probably IRENE KATAQ ANGUTITOK (1914-1971) NAUJAAT (REPULSE BAY)
Man Exiting a Snowhouse, 1961
whale bone and antler, 3.75 x 6 x 4 in (9.5 x 15.2 x 10.2 cm)
ESTIMATE: $250 — $350
PRICE REALIZED: $1,464.00
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Lot 52
Attributed to ABRAHAM ETUNGAT, R.C.A. (1911-1999) KINNGAIT (CAPE DORSET)
Curious Creature: Seal-Bodied Figure with Dog’s Head, late 1960s / 1970s
stone, 2 x 7 x 2.5 in (5.1 x 17.8 x 6.3 cm)
ESTIMATE: $300 — $500
PRICE REALIZED: $158.60
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Lot 54
UNIDENTIFIED INUIT ARTIST, KINNGAIT (CAPE DORSET)
Head with Wide Eyed Gaze, 1960
stone, 4 x 4.5 x 3.25 in (10.2 x 11.4 x 8.3 cm)
ESTIMATE: $200 — $400
PRICE REALIZED: $97.60
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Lot 55
NOOTAULAK EEYEVADLUK (1942-) KIMMIRUT (LAKE HARBOUR)
Embracing Walruses, 1977
stone and ivory, 9 x 9 x 8 in (22.9 x 22.9 x 20.3 cm)
ESTIMATE: $700 — $1,000
PRICE REALIZED: $512.40
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Lot 56
PITSEOLAK ASHOONA, R.C.A., O.C., (1904-1983) KINNGAIT (CAPE DORSET)
Attacked by Bees, 1980 (Folio of Stonecut/Stencils #1)
stonecut and stencil, 11.75 x 16.5 in (29.8 x 41.9 cm)
ESTIMATE: $200 — $400
PRICE REALIZED: $1,159.00
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Lot 57
NUYALIAQ QIMIRPIK (1937-2007) Kimmirut (Lake Harbour)
Standing Muskox, mid 1990s
stone and antler, 8 x 12.75 x 5.25 in (20.3 x 32.4 x 13.3 cm)
ESTIMATE: $600 — $900
PRICE REALIZED: $671.00
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Lot 58
GEETALOO AKULUKJUK (1939-2009) PANNIRTUQ (PANGNIRTUNG)
Preparations for Sleep, 1977 #15
stencil, 16.75 x 24 in (42.5 x 61 cm)
ESTIMATE: $100 — $200
PRICE REALIZED: $85.40
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Lot 59
MARY PUDLAT (1923-2001) KINNGAIT (CAPE DORSET)
Travel by Dog Team, 1985 #12
stonecut and stencil, 24 x 28 in (61 x 71.1 cm)
ESTIMATE: $250 — $350
PRICE REALIZED: $122.00
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Lot 60
SOLOMON KARPIK (1947-1989) PANNIQTUUQ (PANGNIRTUNG)
Caribou Under Attack, 1980 #22
stonecut, 18 x 24.25 in (45.7 x 61.6 cm)
ESTIMATE: $100 — $150
PRICE REALIZED: $97.60
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Lot 61
MOSES MEEKO (1920-1975) SANIKILUAQ (BELCHER ISLANDS)
Alighting Bird, 1965
stone, 2.5 x 7.5 x 7.25 in (6.3 x 19.1 x 18.4 cm
ESTIMATE: $100 — $150
PRICE REALIZED: $73.20
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Lot 62
PAULOSIE KASUDLUAK (1938-) INUKJUAK (PORT HARRISON)
Bookends with Paired Profiles, 1963
each stone, each 4 x 3.5 x 2.75 in (10.2 x 8.9 x 7 cm)
ESTIMATE: $300 — $500
PRICE REALIZED: $146.40
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Lot 63
GEETALOO AKULUKJUK (1939-2009) PANNIRTUQ (PANGNIRTUNG)
A Bountiful Hunt and Plenty for All, 1987 #30
lithograph, 11 x 41.75 in (27.9 x 106 cm)
ESTIMATE: $100 — $200
PRICE REALIZED: $73.20
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Lot 64
GLEN POLLARD (1957-) SKIDEGATE, HAIDA GWAII
Killer Whale, 1999
argillite, antler, pāua shell, and catlinite, 5 x 2.5 x 2 in (12.7 x 6.3 x 5.1 cm)
ESTIMATE: $400 — $600
PRICE REALIZED: $512.40
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Lot 65
GLEN POLLARD (1957-) SKIDEGATE, HAIDA GWAII
Pipe with Raven, Bear, and Frog, 1990s
argillite, pāua shell, and moose bone, 10 x 2.25 x 1 in (25.4 x 5.7 x 2.5 cm)
ESTIMATE: $350 — $500
PRICE REALIZED: $1,830.00
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Lot 66
GREG (WHITE) LIGHTBROWN (1953-) HAIDA, PRICE RUPERT, BC
Kneeling Bear Dancer, 1990s
argillite, 3.75 x 2 x 2 in (9.5 x 5.1 x 5.1 cm)
ESTIMATE: $400 — $600
PRICE REALIZED: $390.40
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Lot 67
CAPTAIN ANDREW BROWN (1879-1962), HAIDA,MASSET, HAIDA GWAII
Model Totem Pole, c. 1950s / 1960s
argillite, 7.25 x 1.5 x 1 in (18.4 x 3.8 x 2.5 cm)
ESTIMATE: $400 — $600
PRICE REALIZED: $976.00
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- Graphic works are unframed, unless otherwise indicated.
- Please read our conditions of sale and the sale particulars carefully before placing any bid on a lot. By registering to bid and/or by bidding at auction, you agree to these terms and conditions and they will become contractually binding to you. Please ensure that you have understood all charges, fees, and taxes that may be applied to your bid price before place your bid.
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- First Arts Premiers Inc. will not undertake packing or shipping of lots purchased at auction. The purchaser must designate and arrange for the services of an independent shipper and be responsible for all shipping and insurance expenses. First Arts Premiers Inc. will, upon request, provide names of professional packers and shippers but will not be held responsible for the service or have any liability for providing this information. Reliable pre-auction estimates of shipping costs of lots offered in this sale may be obtained from:
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