The Peter Benchley Collection: Jaws, A Life of Writing, A Legacy of Stories
Lot 51:
Description
Papua New Guinea headrest carved from wood with polychrome accents. The piece features a traditional dark aged patina with red-ochre and white pigment highlights throughout the carved surfaces. The construction consists of a rectangular, slightly concave seat supported by two flared legs. Both long sides are decorated with deep relief carvings depicting a central stylized face within a heart-shaped border, characterized by large circular eyes and a horizontal slit mouth, flanked by symmetrical scrolling and foliate motifs. 4" H x 13 1/2" W x 5 1/2" D.
From the personal collection of Peter Benchley (American, 1940–2006), acclaimed author of Jaws, accomplished diver, and prominent advocate for ocean and shark conservation.
Condition report:
The stool displays significant use-wear to the top surface of the seat consistent with age and use. Multiple age-related cracks and checks are present in the wood, including a prominent vertical fracture at one end of the seat. Scattered losses are visible to the surface pigments and the wood throughout.
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