Zuni Squash Blossom Necklace Blake & Velma Lesansee Owl Channel Inlay Book Piece

Description

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WHAT IS GREAT ABOUT IT: an exceptional and rare example of a one of Blake and Velma Lesansee's best, early, owl squash blossom necklaces. The couple was famous for this design of squash blossom style necklace and for their owls, examples of which appear in the discontinued book: Zuni The Art and the People, a page of which appears above. This one has almost petite size owls in it, using all coral as the colored stone, an iridescent abalone at the neck mirroring the Naja,  mother of pearl, jet, cowrie shell for the body and wings and a brown shell for the horns. The Naja has luminescent abalone, which really sparkles and it also has turquoise, while the owls use coral and no turquoise. The choice of stones in this one is the best I've seen and it makes this example the absolute best. The necklace was made when this artist couple perfected their art, before they started signing it, but you can see from the references that this is unquestionably their work and very fine work indeed. The cowrie shells used for the owls on all these pieces look like real fur and each owl is unique and beautiful. The inlay work is perfect and the colors all glow and gleam. There is turquoise, coral, abalone, brown shell, mother-of-pearl shell, jet, and it's all set in sterling silver. The necklace is such a knockout beauty, on the occasions I have worn it, it has gotten attention everywhere I went. The form has a good, balanced, beautiful aesthetic. The necklace is strung on chain. There are twelve blossoms, two more owls in the Naja, so 14 total, and a hand made hook and eye closure
BACKGROUND: Husband and wife team, Blake and Velma Lesansee started working together in the mid-1950s. Known for their inlaid owl design in necklaces, bracelets, key rings, money clips, watch tips, and pins. A necklace such as I am offering here is in museums such as the Kennedy Museum of Art & New Mexico Museum in Santa Fe. There are pictures in Bassman, Theda. Zuni Jewelry. West Chester, PA: Schiffer Publishing Co., 1992, p. 25. Also in the discontinued Bell, Ed and Barbara. Zuni: The Art and the People Vol.3. Dallas, TX: Taylor Publishing Company, 1977, p. 4-5, a page of which I included above. And description in Wright, Barton. Hallmarks of the Southwest. Atglen, Pa.: Shiffer Publishing Ltd., 2000, p. 102-103. If you search online you may find what I found: a necklace such as this was available for 60.
CONDITION: Excellent vintage, wearable, collectible. There was a stringing error in that one of the bead strands wasn't strung through one of the holes behind the Naja. It hangs fine so I didn't have it restrung.
MEASUREMENTS:
•  End to End length of beads: 26"
•  Hanging Length from top bead to bottom of Naja: c. 15"
•  Total Weight: 115.77 grams
•  Naja: 2.5" x 2.5" high and wide
•  Blossoms: 12 of them, vary slightly, as they are hand made, approximate average 1" high and 5/8" wide
•  Beads Size: average 6mm - they are handmade beads so differ slightly in size
•  Consistent with age, it is not marked for metal content but it's sterling silver at .925
•
Consistent with the age, it isn't signed by the artists but it is definitely the work of Blake and Velma Lesansee, Zuni
SUMMARY: This necklace is a significant, beautiful and a hard to find example which appears in a book and is prototypically the work of Blake and Velma Lesansee, early in their career and made in the late 1960s or very early 1970s. It's beautifully made in every detail and gorgeous to wear. For those who value the aura of the past in their Native American jewelry, this is the necklace for you. A great collector's piece. Truly creative and elegant. It's a fabulous squash blossom necklace! On a personal note I sold my personal collection but I may be able to keep some pieces soon, and this one is one I may decide to keep at some time. It's that great.
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When I include pages from published books in my listings it is in accordance with Fair Use Law, which permits the use of source material for discussion, reference, education and criticism.
Attributions on many of the old pieces of Native American jewelry are sometimes a moving target. All the books have errors, so in addition to counterchecking, I have developed some expertise over the years and I do care about getting it right, so as more information comes to light I update my listings and also get in touch with my previous buyers, to inform them of any changes in attributions. I am sincerely committed to ongoing accuracy.
Everything I sell comes from my personal collection or is something that I would include in my personal collection. Most pieces are museum worthy and gallery suitable, sold to you at great pricing. I vet every item carefully for quality and condition, and offer you the best. I want you to be able to rely on me for top quality, superb items that are often unique and rare examples of old antique vintage southwest, indian, native american and fine gold and gemstones, whether you're starting a collection or adding to one, or want something great to wear or gift. My goal is that all my buyers are delighted, that my special pieces find the right homes.