Description:

A superb example of contemporary Canadian Inuit art, this powerful sculpture titled Bear by acclaimed Inuk artist Johnny Manning of Iqaluit, Nunavut, captures the elegance, rhythm, and joy of the iconic dancing bear form. Carved in 2025 from a fine piece of white alabaster stone, the work radiates a smooth, soft luminosity, beautifully reflecting light across its rounded contours and gently polished planes. The carving is fully three-dimensional, designed to be admired from every angle, and reveals the artist’s masterful sense of balance, weight, and movement.

The bear is posed dynamically mid-dance - head lifted skyward, one arm raised, one leg kicked back - exuding a sense of life and cultural symbolism central to Inuit artistic expression. The proportions are elegant yet powerful, with strong sculptural masses offset by delicately rendered claws, muzzle, and ears. Subtle grey veining in the alabaster provides visual depth, enhancing the sense of naturalism and material authenticity.

The underside bears the artist’s signature, and the piece is accompanied by its official Government of Canada certification tag, verifying its origin, artist (Johnny Manning), community (Iqaluit), subject (Bear), and date (2025). Measuring 10 in x 4 1/2 in x 11 1/2 in tall, this substantial sculpture commands attention in a gallery setting, private collection, or design-forward interior. Its size and upright posture give it presence well beyond its physical dimensions.

Condition is excellent, with only the faint natural inclusions characteristic of alabaster and minimal handling marks, consistent with careful display. There are no chips, cracks, or repairs, and the base shows only light shelf wear from rotation during documentation. This example stands as a superb fusion of traditional Inuit carving aesthetics with refined contemporary sculptural execution.

For advanced collectors, curators, or interior designers, dancing bears by named Inuit artists such as Johnny Manning are among the most sought-after forms in the Canadian art market. The combination of white alabaster, signed provenance, certification, and exceptional condition makes this an outstanding investment-quality acquisition.
71790

  • Medium: Sculptures Inuit

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November 16, 2025 11:00 AM EST
Stouffville, ON, CA

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $5
$100 $299 $10
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $2,999 $100
$3,000 $9,999 $250
$10,000 $49,999 $500
$50,000 $99,999 $1,000
$100,000 $999,999 $5,000
$1,000,000 + $10,000