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Lot description
Condition: Excellent estate condition. The piece exhibits a beautifully maintained, complex patina, consistent with the artist's intent. The deeply polished, dark bronze of the body shows only the most faint handling marks and minuscule surface scuffs, visible only under close inspection with directed light. The upper, lighter bronze sections possess their original mottled finish. The incised signature, date, and edition number are crisp and legible. The custom-fit circular wood base is in superb condition with no notable scratches, chips, or wear. The accompanying signed Certificate of Authenticity shows minor handling evidence along the edges but is otherwise clean and fully legible. Item Description Weight: 11lbs 7oz A masterpiece of form and spirit, this 'Corn Maiden' bronze by Kim Seyesnem Obrzut is a profound statement of cultural identity translated through the language of contemporary sculpture. The work immediately captivates with its duality of texture and line; a lustrous, gourd-shaped body rendered in a deep, near-black patina provides a foundation of earthy stability, from which the maiden's form emerges in a flourish of angular, flowing lines. Obrzut masterfully contrasts this polished darkness with the brighter, more varied patina of the maiden's shawl and the brilliant gleam of her polished bronze collar, creating a visual energy that is both reverent and dynamic. The figure is stylized to an essential elegance, her head adorned with the traditional Hopi 'squash blossom' whorls symbolizing her maidenhood. She is faceless, a deliberate choice that elevates her from a mere individual to a universal symbol of fertility, sustenance, and the sacred feminine that is central to Hopi belief. This is not just a depiction, but an invocation of a spirit, captured in the timeless permanence of bronze. Artist Biography: Kim Seyesnem Obrzut (b. 1969) is one of the most important and acclaimed Hopi sculptors of her generation. A member of the Hopi Bear Clan from the village of Kykotsmovi on Third Mesa, Arizona, Obrzut has forged a distinguished career by creating a visual language that is simultaneously deeply rooted in Hopi tradition and boldly contemporary. After studying at Northern Arizona University, she dedicated herself to sculpture, choosing the demanding medium of bronze to express the fluid, graceful narratives of her culture. Obrzut is celebrated for her 'single line' style, a continuous, flowing aesthetic that imbues her figures with a sense of motion and life. She draws her inspiration from the stories, ceremonies, and powerful female figures of the Hopi world, bringing to life Corn Maidens, Basket Dancers, and Butterfly Maidens with an elegance and emotional depth that resonates with collectors worldwide. Legacy and Influence: Kim Obrzut's singular artistic vision has had a profound influence on the field of Native American art. She broke significant ground as one of the few women working in monumental bronze, a medium historically dominated by male artists. Her work transcends the boundaries of traditional craft, positioning Hopi narrative firmly within the realm of international fine art. Her legacy is that of a storyteller in metal, a visionary who has successfully bridged the ancient and the modern. By simplifying forms to their most elegant and essential lines, she creates sculptures that are both culturally specific and universally understood, ensuring the enduring power and relevance of Hopi artistry for generations to come. This particular 'Corn Maiden', an early work dated 1991 and from a highly desirable low edition of 30, represents a pivotal moment in her celebrated career. It is accompanied by its original signed Certificate of Authenticity. Artist: Kim Seyesnem Obrzut Title: Corn Maiden Year: 1991 Medium: Bronze with mixed patinas Edition: 8/30 Signature: Incised signature 'K Obrzut', artist's pictograph, date '©1991', and edition number '8/30' on reverse Provenance: Includes original signed Certificate of Authenticity dated July 12, 2014 Dimensions: 14.36" H x 9.74" W x 8.10" D Weight: 11 lbs 7 oz Flat rate shipping contiguous 48 states: $58.00 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) 14.36" x 9.74" x 8.10" Weight 11lbs 7oz Flat Shipping Rate (Within Contiguous U.S.) $58.00 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: 114282 Ref: JPC522 PD1 ART710 NAM820 WES550 HOM500 NAM731