This lot provides a rare opportunity to bid on a unique piece of history tying together fine Navajo tapestry, the Santa Fe Railroad, a Hollywood film star, and a noted Montana collector of Native American art. For your consideration, we present this Navajo open field tapestry rug. The tapestry rug features a cream colored open field bordered by a wide band of beige with an outside Greek Key border of cream, beige, and brown. The four corners of the rug have tassels, the top two having extra yarn. Woven into the center of the open field is the name, John Russell, with "JR" woven into either end of the open field. That name is what makes this piece interesting. John Russell was born in Los Angeles in 1921; his acting career spanned 43 years, from 1945-1988. The decades of the 40's and 50's were the heyday of rail travel and the Santa Fe Super Chief, running from L.A. to New York, was the train of choice for Hollywood stars. The Super Chief ran right through Arizona and New Mexico where passengers could purchase Navajo made goods. This tapestry rug had been part of the collection of Bruce VanLandingham of Bozeman. Bruce VanLandingham was a pillar in the American Indian collecting community and a respected expert. Along with being an avid collector Bruce also was the sole owner of Sundog Fine Art in Bozeman which was both part museum and gallery. The rug is in very good condition. it measures 35.5" x 57". For a complete representation of condition and for additional images please call 800-686-4216. It is the buyer’s responsibility to view each image and preview the item to determine condition.