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Lot description
Condition: Excellent estate condition, presenting with a beautifully preserved, complex patina. The piece shows typical signs of age and respectful handling. The substantial tiered wooden base exhibits some minor, superficial scuffs and faint nicks along the edges, commensurate with the sculpture's significant weight and age. The bronze itself is free of any discernible scratches, dents, or signs of oxidation. The various patinas are vibrant and the textured inlay is secure. The sculpture stands solidly on its base. Item Description Weight: 73lbs An object of profound grace and cultural resonance, this monumental bronze, "Sienna," is a masterwork by the celebrated Hopi artist Kim Obrzut. The sculpture immediately captivates with its elegant, attenuated form, rising from a solid, gourd-like base into a sinuous neck that conveys both strength and fluidity. Obrzut's genius lies in her ability to distill the essence of Hopi feminine identity into a modern, abstract vernacular. "Sienna" is not merely a figure, but an icon of matriarchal power and serene dignity, her form suggesting the life-giving earth from which the Hopi people draw their spiritual sustenance. The sculpture's emotional depth is amplified by its extraordinary surface treatment. The body glows with a warm, stippled copper-brown patina, evoking the sun-baked earth of the Hopi mesas. This is masterfully contrasted with the cool, dark patina of the stylized hair, arranged in the traditional butterfly whorls that signify an unmarried Hopi maiden. Polished, golden-hued bronze rings encircle her neck, adding a regal counterpoint to the organic form. A teardrop-shaped aperture in the figure's torso reveals a contrasting, textured inlay, a subtle detail that invites contemplation on the inner spirit and the sacredness of life. As one of the earliest examples from a very limited edition of 35, this particular cast, number 3, represents a rare opportunity to acquire a seminal work from the artist's acclaimed career. Artist Biography: Kim Seyesnem Obrzut (b. 1969) stands as one of the most important Native American sculptors of her generation and is one of the very few Hopi women to master the demanding medium of bronze. Her Hopi name, Seyesnem, translates to "of the earth, earthy," a fitting description for an artist whose work is so deeply rooted in her ancestral heritage. Raised on the Hopi reservation in northeastern Arizona, Obrzut was immersed in the rich artistic traditions of her people, particularly the famed pottery designs of her grandmother and aunts. After studying at Northern Arizona University, she turned to sculpture, finding in bronze the permanence and gravitas to express the enduring spirit of Hopi culture. Influence and Legacy: Kim Obrzut's singular contribution to the art form is her revolutionary translation of Hopi visual language into three-dimensional space. Where the graceful lines and symbolic motifs of Hopi life were once confined to the curved surfaces of pottery, Obrzut liberates them into dynamic, flowing forms that command their environment. Her work exclusively celebrates the role of women and children in Hopi culture, portraying them with an elegance and quiet power that challenges and redefines the conventions of Western sculpture. Her legacy is one of cultural preservation and artistic innovation, creating a timeless body of work that honors the past while speaking a universal language of beauty and resilience. Her sculptures are held in prestigious museum and private collections worldwide, solidifying her status as a vital voice in contemporary American art. Artist: Kim Seyesnem Obrzut (Hopi) Title: "Sienna" Year: 2000 Edition: 3 / 35 Medium: Cast Bronze with multi-toned patina Base: Custom tiered hardwood Signature: Hand-etched signature, date, and edition number on lower body Dimensions: Approximately 39" H x 15.98" W x 13.42" D Weight: Approximately 73 lbs Flat rate shipping contiguous 48 states: $395.00 Only items pictured are what you will receive. We are not aware of any accessories that are not shown with the unit. If an item requires testing, we do not guarantee long term use. This is an estate item, history is unknown. We are not experts, we do not authenticate items unless otherwise noted. All sales are final. No refunds or returns. Ref: JPC522 | PD1 Dimensions (HxWxD) 39" x 15.98" x 13.42" Weight 73lbs Flat Shipping Rate (Within Contiguous U.S.) $395.00 Local Pickup We offer local pickup of your item by appointment only. Once your payment has been processed, you will receive a follow-up email to schedule a pickup time on the specified dates listed below. Detailed directions to the pickup location will be provided once your appointment is confirmed. Pick-Up Dates/Time: By Appointment Tuesday 6/30/26 or Wednesday 7/1/26,10am to 4pm Pick-Up Location: The Town of Cave Creek, Spur Cross & Cave Creek Rd (exact address will be given after purchase is complete) Item number: 114278 Ref: JPC522 PD1 ART710 NAM820 WES550 HOM500 NAM731