Letters from a Poet, 1912-1915.

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The Bohemian World of Xavier Martinez

By Turner Auctions + Appraisals LLC

Feb 25, 2023

Set Reminder 2023-02-25 13:30:00 2023-02-25 13:30:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : The Bohemian World of Xavier Martinez https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/turner-auctions/the-bohemian-world-of-xavier-martinez-12193
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• Lot Description
  UNIDENTIFIED/"ISSIO". A group of five handwritten letters (one with posted envelope), 1912-1915, addressed to artist Xavier "Marty" Martinez and Elsie Whitaker Martinez. The letters are sent from/refer to Seattle, Washington. A note in the hand of Micaela Martinez DuCasse identifies them as "Letters from Japanese poet Issamo Noguchi". Presumably, she meant Yonejiro (Yone) Noguchi (1875-1947). And indeed, the contents align with Yone Noguchi's association with poet Joaquin Miller (who he lived with in Oakland). Joaquin Miller, his house The Heights (or the "Hights"), and his death are referenced in the letters. Additionally, the letters are personal and affectionate to Xavier and Elsie, part of the Oakland/Piedmont crowd. However, as well as being signed "Issio", the hand appears different from Noguchi's . Possibly they are from another Miller acolyte? Noguchi's son, artist Isamu Noguchi (1904-1988), was a child at this time, living with his mother, Leonie Gilmour, in Japan. 1.) ALS. Two sheets, 10 3/4in x 7in, folded twice; four letter pages. Dated Seattle, Feb 1.12; addressed to Elsie; signed "Issio". He writes of his music lessons: "The nuance of that tone harmonizes into very pathos of my life... I have several artist friends in this town, but best of all who is my violin teacher (Prof Arthur)". He continues to say that he hears "Mr. Miller is recovered" and asks that she give his regards. A postscript asks that she tell Marty of his admiration of "Zuloaga" (the Spanish painter?), and his "effect on my poetry..." Condition: Toning, light spotting/soiling.  2.) ALS. One sheet, 10 1/2in x 7in, folded twice; three letter pages. Dated Jan 7-13; addressed to "Martinez" (Marty); signed "Issio", and with an additional name (possibly Seuye? hanye?). He thanks Marty for the gift of a painting, and writes of first encountering his work "in [Herman] Whitaker's house...". He ends rhapsodizing about the East Bay: "...that odour of the eucalyptus trees to me so fresh!--nostalgia--California!" Condition: Light toning, several dampstains.  3.) ALS. Three sheets, 7in x 5 1/4in, folded twice; five letter pages. Dated Seattle, Mar 23-13; addressed to Elsie; signed "Issio (hanye??). He begins the letter writing of Joaquin Miller, who died that February: "...our dear old man has pass[ed] away and I learned that on the local paper earlier. Still I feel he is looking [down?] some time & may return to the Heights". He writes of his regrets for not being in California the past years, and that he is presently living in "a small cottage by the lake (Washington)", that he is writing seldom but studying music. Condition: Toning, light spotting/soiling. 4.) ALS. One sheet, 6in x 4 7/8in, folded twice; two letter pages. Dated Seattle, March First--1914; addressed to Elsie; signed "Issio". He refers to having just spent time with her and Marty, asks after their daughter (Micaela), writes of his love for California, and says "Mr. Tanaka wishes me to send his kind regards". 5.) ALS. Three sheets, 7 7/8in x 5in, folded twice; three letter pages. With envelope franked Seattle, Washington 1914, with Panama-Pacific Exposition 1915 promotional (stamp torn off/missing). Dated April 20--1914; addressed to Elsie; signed "Issio". He writes of spring, of being busy, of sending a vermilion ink to Marty, and that he and Mr. Tanaka are "As ever... studying and discussing to see an essential point of 'Self'". Condition: Envelope torn/stained and with later pencil notes; slight toning/spotting to letter. Note: In a postcard to Elsie dated 1949, Imogen Cunningham writes of her visit in 1913, that she remembers it vividly, and "...came with a gal from Seattle and a Japanese who was a friend of Jauquin [sic] Miller's" (See Elsie Martinez and Harriet Dean archive lot in this sale). From the Family of Xavier Martinez (1869-1943), Elsie Whitaker Martinez (1890-1984), and Micaela Martinez DuCasse (1913-1989).
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