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LOT 027

1920 - 1998
Canadian

Killer Whale Brooch
22 karat gold sculpture
on verso signed, editioned 3/10, dated 1972 and stamped with the wolf hallmark
2 1/2 x 1 7/8 x 0 1/2 in, 6.3 x 4.8 x 1.3 cm

Estimate: $20,000 - $30,000 CAD

Sold for: $40,250

Preview at: Heffel Vancouver

PROVENANCE
Acquired directly from the Artist by the present Private Collection, Ontario, 1972

LITERATURE
Doris Shadbolt, Bill Reid, 1986, the 1984 bronze sculpture Killer Whale, in the collection of the Vancouver Public Aquarium, reproduced page 55; the 1971 Gold Box with a three-dimensional killer whale on its lid, in the collection of the Royal BC Museum, reproduced page 137; and the 1983 boxwood carving Killer Whale, in the collection of the UBC Museum of Anthropology, reproduced page 139


Bill Reid first studied European jewellery techniques at Toronto’s Ryerson Institute of Technology, after which he apprenticed in a platinum and diamond workshop. On his return to Vancouver, while still working for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, he made jewellery in his home studio. His return to the coast stimulated his interest in his Haida ancestry and Haida art, and he applied his modern knowledge and fine craftsmanship to the expression of Haida designs in gold and silver. Reid was inspired by the masterful work of his great-great uncle Charles Edenshaw, and some of his brooches were derived from images of tattoo marks drawn by Edenshaw and John Wi’ha. In 1962 he started his own jewellery business, producing fine works such as the 1971 Gold Box with a three-dimensional killer whale on its lid, in the collection of the Royal BC Museum. The killer whale was an important figure to Reid, who produced a number of images of it, including the monumental bronze sculpture Killer Whale, in the collection of the Vancouver Public Aquarium. Reid’s work in gold is superb, and this 1972 Killer Whale Brooch, cast using the lost wax method in rich 22 karat, is exquisite.

This work is included in the forthcoming catalogue raisonné of Reid’s work being compiled by Dr. Martine Reid, Researcher and Honourary Chair, Bill Reid Foundation.


Estimate: $20,000 - $30,000 CAD

All prices are in Canadian Dollars


Although great care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information posted, errors and omissions may occur. All bids are subject to our Terms and Conditions of Business. Bidders must ensure they have satisfied themselves with the condition of the Lot prior to bidding. Condition reports are available upon request.