KATSINA AUCTION

A Landmark Collection of Historic Hopi and Zuni Katsinas

Lusher Fine Art is honored to present 68 lots from the studio of Alan Charles Kessler, one of the most respected names in American Indian art. For over five decades, Kessler has worked as a dealer, collector, and appraiser — beginning on Bond Street in New York City and later on Santa Fe's own Canyon Road, where he maintained a gallery for decades. He is the author of Collecting Kachina Dolls 1880–1940 and a founding member of the Antique Tribal Art Dealers Association (ATADA).

Kessler's eye for the field is well documented: a katsina doll he consigned in 1997 sold for $294,000 including buyer's premium, setting the record for the highest price ever paid for a katsina doll at auction — more than fourteen times the previous record of $20,000.

This sale brings together historic Hopi katsinas alongside Zuni examples spanning circa 1890 to 1940, including rare early figures, works by named carvers, and pieces with strong exhibition and collection history. Whether you are building a serious collection or acquiring your first katsina, this is a rare opportunity to own material vetted by one of the field's most experienced eyes.