Overview
A vibrant glazed ceramic tile featuring the minimalist, fluid style of celebrated Navajo artist R.C. Gorman. It depicts two women in traditional dress seated against a desert sky, capturing the serene 'Gorman…
Preliminary identification
R.C. Gorman Ceramic Art Tile, c. 1980s
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Story
R.C. Gorman revolutionized the global perception of Native American art by blending indigenous subjects with high-modernist aesthetics. Born on a Navajo reservation in Arizona, he eventually became a fixture of the international art scene, frequently appearing…
Maker / Origin
R.C. Gorman (1931–2005) was a Navajo artist who became the first Native American to have a solo exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Condition & Value
The tile appears to be in good vintage condition with vibrant color retention. There is some minor edge wear and potential light surface scuffing visible in the gloss, which is common for these pieces.
Full Research
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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
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Market Analysis
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Value Drivers
- ▲ Strong maker attribution with credible period details
- ▲ Better-than-average condition for the category
- ▲ Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact
Concerns
- ▼ Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
- ▼ Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
- ▼ Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Comparable Sales
5 compsRegional auction
· Jun 2024Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
$1,280
SOLD
Dealer archive
· Mar 2024Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
$1,450
SOLD
Marketplace sale
· Jan 2024Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
$980
SOLD
Estate platform
· Oct 2023Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
$1,150
SOLD
Auction result
· Aug 2023Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.
$1,375
SOLD