Melanesian & Polynesian Art from the James Hooper Collection – Christie's London (1979) - Maori * Maori (New Zealand) * Asmat * Abelam * Sepik * Massim * Geelvink Bay * Tolai * Sulka * - Polynesians * Melanesians * Micronesians * Fijians * Hawaiians * Tahitians * Samoans * Tongans * - England (No reserve price)

Unique Annotated Auction Catalogue: Melanesian & Polynesian Art from the James Hooper Collection – Christie's London (1979) + Extra Estimate List & Notes (Including Buyer Notes)

An exceptionally rare and historically important document for the serious collector, bibliophile or researcher of Pacific tribal art. This lot concerns the original Christie's London auction catalogue from 19-06-1979, in which the world-renowned James Thomas Hooper Collection (1897-1971) was auctioned.

The Hooper collection is regarded worldwide as one of the earliest, largest and most high-quality private collections of Oceanic art. Unique features and provenance of this copy: This is not just a catalogue, but a unique historical work document that was actually used in the auction room.

Handwritten notes: The estimate lists contain unique, handwritten blue ink annotations. The exact hammer prices (which at the time set all records) and crucial buyer references are noted in the margins. Historical buyers: The notes refer directly to leading figures and top dealers in the tribal art world of the 1970s, such as Merrick Simpson (prominent New York dealer) and "Angel" (referring to top buyers/dealers like John Klejman or Entwistle).

Documentation: At the back there is the standard estimate list, supplemented by the separate extra estimate list that was exclusively handed out to gallery visitors at the time.

Additional feature: This lot also includes a fragment/section from the subsequent Hooper auction at Christie’s on 17 June 1980 (American Indian Art).

Cross-References & Literature References:
The objects in this catalogue form the backbone of the historiography of Oceanic art and are extensively documented in the absolute standard works:
Phelps, Steven (1976) – Art and Artefacts of the Pacific, Africa and the Americas: The James Hooper Collection. (The official handbook of the entire collection).
Kaeppler, Adrienne L. (2020) – Fiji: Art & Life in the Pacific (Los Angeles County Museum of Art / Sainsbury Centre).

Many of the featured highlights, including the iconic ivory breastplate (civavonovono) on the cover, are now housed in prestigious museum collections worldwide.

Condition: Reasonable to good, with character. The object shows authentic signs of use inherent to its actual, intensive use during the 1979 auction itself. There is a slight crease in the top right corner. The handwritten ink notes are clear, crisp and perfectly legible. A wonderful time document.

Note for the Bidder:
In this and upcoming auctions, many high-quality ethnographic publications will be offered, including substantial Oceania, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and Africa. A unique opportunity for building or expanding a specialized art-historical library.

Shipping & Collection
Shipping is carried out with Track & Trace.
When purchasing multiple lots I apply, if relevant, a fair adjustment to the shipping costs, commensurate with the total volume and insured value.

Pickup may be possible in The Hague, Benoordehout (2596GN).