Edward S. Curtis, Pima Baskets, 1907

Edward S. Curtis

(1868 - 1952)


Pima Baskets, 1907

photogravure on Japanese gampi tissue with original Van Gelder overmat

Japanese Gampi Tissue Paper

This original vintage photogravure is printed on handmade Japanese gampi ("tissue") paper. This is the rarest and most expensive of the three original paper stocks chosen by Curtis and J.P. Morgan for Curtis' North American Indian project. Because original purchasers had to pay a premium for a tissue impression, it is estimated that only 10-15% of Curtis' photogravures were made on this rare hand-made paper. J.P. Morgan, Edward Curtis, and The King of England were among the few who opted for these premium tissue prints. Tissue prints are noted for their subtlety, luminosity, and strength. Gampi papermaking is a millennia old tradition in Japan and the art is often handed down within a family from generation to generation over hundreds of years.



inscribed in plate, upper left: Plate 41

titled in plate, lower left: PIMA BASKETS

inscribed in plate, lower center: From Copyright Photograph 1907 by E.S. Curtis

inscribed in plate, lower right: Photogravure John Andrew & Son



This original vintage photogravure is printed on handmade Japanese gampi ("tissue") paper. This is the rarest and most expensive of the three original paper stocks chosen by Curtis and J.P. Morgan for Curtis' North American Indian project. Because original purchasers had to pay a premium for a tissue impression, it is estimated that only 10-15% of Curtis' photogravures were made on this rare hand-made paper. J.P. Morgan, Edward Curtis, and The King of England were among the few who opted for these premium tissue prints. Tissue prints are noted for their subtlety, luminosity, and strength. Gampi papermaking is a millennia old tradition in Japan and the art is often handed down within a family from generation to generation over hundreds of years.