Fourth-Phase Navajo Chief’s Blanket and Antique American Furniture Come to Auction

At Nye & Company this January, a Navajo chief’s blanket will lead a curated auction of nearly 300 items. This woven piece from the mid-1870s is classified as “fourth phase” or “third phase variant,” according to tribal experts. The Navajo people learned wool weaving in the 17th century, and they soon developed high standards of excellence for their wearable wool blankets. These versatile items resisted water, were lightweight, and could be used for coverage during the day and warmth at night. The styles of these blankets went through various phases of popularity as Navajo weavers transitioned from using stripes to introducing red rectangles and diamonds. During the “fourth phase,” red diamonds became the focal points of Navajo chief’s blankets instead of appearing in the background. The available example uses these traditional triangle shapes to create a mirror image. White, black, navy blue, and red stripes accent the large diamonds and appear in the background. 

The upcoming Estate Treasures Auction from Nye & Company also features a set of six Queen Anne side chairs attributed to William Savery. The 18th-century chairs are made of maple and were produced in Philadelphia. An American cabinetmaker, Savery belonged to a group of Philadelphia craftsmen who worked to recreate the Chippendale style. Additional lots of interest in this sale include an original Edison Electric Pen, a Gothic Revival rosewood table, and assorted silver tableware items from Tiffany & Co., William Comyns, and Gunnar Andersen. To view the complete catalog of this and other online auctions, visit Bidsquare.