If for some, the experience of artful shopping is a spiritual practice, then the most elevated form of Zen just happened in Santa Fe. Many vendors of primitive and rare antiquities have come to light in this city which is, as it turns out, 7,000 feet above sea level. We braved the crowds and the unfortunate lack of beaches to immerse ourselves in the shows that go on in mid to late August. One of which is the Antique Ethnographics Art Show. The cultural contents of this professional gathering could give the casual observer a severe case of whiplash, such is the diversity of the items. The shops of Canyon Road are destinations unto themselves. There I found an artist, Mallory Lake, to which I had never been exposed. That is the fun of Santa Fe. Discovery lies around every corner.
Because all that shimmers, may not be rubbed-backed gold, it pays to have your designer or art expert in tow! The purchase of antiquities is a complex task, and is not for the timid. The following are several of my favorite items from the trip. For some reason, they caught my eye... just as good art should!
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| Double Dragon Monk's Door - vertical viewTibetan, Circa 1850's. Polychrome on Fabric Mounted on Wood. Courtesy of: Pretemporary Art. Norberto Zamudio |
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| 18th C. Cuzco Spanish Colonial-Peruvian Painting by expressed permission of R.L.Lennen |
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| Undergarment for an official's jacket, China, 19th century Bamboo with cotton trim and silk ties Courtesy of Joe Loux Asian and Tribal Art |
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| Long "Bei" Dragon Blanket, Li Ethnic Group, Hainan Island, Southern China, 19th C. Joe Loux. Asian and Tribal Art |
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| "Cortona" by Mallory Lake Courtesy of Martha Keats Gallery |
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| Mast Boom Holder. Teak and Polychrome. Mudura Island, Indonesia. Early 20th C. Courtesy of James Barker Asian Art and Design (Partial view) |
What a pleasure to be in Santa Fe in August. It was a welcomed and artful treat!
Article by: Cearan Henley
chenley@allan-knight.com
Allan Knight and Associates
