Group of Ancient Textiles. Provenance: ex Jean Lions Collection, Geneva, Switzerland (1951-1980). Including: 1) Chuspa Fragment, Wari Culture. Extremely fine fragment of a coca bag with 8 standing double staff bearing figures in full frontal pose. Alpaca tapestry on top of a cotton base fabric; 2) 2 Strip fragments, Chimu Culture. Two selvedged fragments of the same cotton strips with embroidered profile staff bearing felines in three colors arrayed on a diagonal bias; 3) Tunic Fragment, Chimu Culture. Complex mythological scene in alpaca tapestry with serial crowned kings holding batons while surrounded by birds. Chimu depictions were often narrative, densely composed and reflecting a common oral history; 4) Temple Wall Hanging, Inca Culture. Very fine linen plain weave fabric trimmed in alpaca supplemental weft weave and embroidered with profile pelicans having fish in their stomachs displayed in purple and red, oriented in one direction and with the color scheme on the sacred diagonal. Ranging in size from: 4.5'' x 2.5'' (11 x 6 cm) to 4.5'' x 2.5'' (11 x 6 cm).

This is a NO RESERVE AUCTION: there are no hidden or confidential reserves, all acceptable bidding commences at the online START PRICE. Please let us know if you would like to receive a condition report or have any specific questions regarding the condition of a lot. Condition reports will be sent during the week prior to the auction, and can be requested via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone: 215-438-4700. Absence of a statement to condition in the description does not construe a statement of any kind. Please refer to Terms and Conditions of the sale.