John Cly — Zuni Silversmith Hallmark
John Cly's hallmark as photographed on an authenticated piece. © Turquoise Skies Inc.
Zuni · documented in the T.Skies hallmark library
John Cly is a Zuni silversmith who works in inlay. He collaborated with his wife Raphina Cly, sharing stamps and co-signing work.
What is known
No active period, birth year, or award history is recorded. The collaborative J & R CLY stamp, dated from the 1980s, is the most distinctive attribution mark for pieces made jointly with Raphina. Inlay is a signature Zuni technique, consistent with John Cly's documented nation.
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References
- Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks, 5th ed. (2022).
- Schaaf, Gregory, with Angie Yan Schaaf. American Indian Jewelry I: 1,200 Artist Biographies, ca. 1800-present. American Indian Art Series, Vol. 5. Santa Fe: CIAC Press, 2003. Cited by printed page. Statements describe conditions as of 2003.
From the Library: Schaaf, American Indian Jewelry I (2003)
2003 primary source. Anything described as current here describes 2003, not today.
Schaaf (2003, p. 117) dated John Cly's stamps: J.C. and CLY from 1977, and J & R CLY, used with his wife, Raphina Cly, from 1985. Schaaf recorded him as Zuni, active from before 1977 in gold and silver inlay, with Cameron Trading Post and Turquoise Village at Zuni among his galleries. [1]
Schaaf's 2003 hallmark index gives CLY to one maker:
“CLY (John Cly)”
— Schaaf (2003), p. 328 [1]
This profile is maintained in support of Native American silversmiths and compiled from published references. See something inaccurate, or want to add to it? Contact us.