Lot 190

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Description:

Jack Kerouac's Personally Owned Pipe Stand, Estate Certified

A mid-century pipe stand personally owned and used by Jack Kerouac (1922-1969), the famous mid-century American writer who brought us "On The Road" (1957). Provenance: The lot will be accompanied by an estate certification signed by John Shen-Sampas, executor of the Kerouac Estate by descent. John Shen-Sampas is the son of John Sampas, who was the brother-in-law of Jack Kerouac, and the brother of Stella Kerouac, Jack's wife.

The wooden pipe stand can accommodate four long-stemmed pipes, each suspended from a holder elevated 4.5" above a corresponding molded indentation in the base. A cylindrical tobacco jar with lid can be found to the right of the pipe holder; it has a faux animal skin exterior and a partly chipped cork insert at the bottom of the interior. Expected wear consistent with many years of use, including light water stains and surface scuffs. Else very good. The pipe stand measures 7.75" x 5.375" x 6.75" fully assembled.

Jack Kerouac was one of mid-century America's most visually recognizable chain smokers. As writer Dylan Gyles explained in his blog post, "Beatniks on Tobacco," the Beats depended on cigarettes --and perhaps pipe-smoking-- for emotional comfort, oral gratification, and mind-altering stress relief. Smoking was a repetitive action which unblocked the mind and liberated social inhibitions. Kerouac immortalized tobacco culture in "On the Road."

Kerouac referred to pipe-smoking in his novels, haiku poetry, and collections of short stories such as "Lonesome Traveler" (1960).

in "Vanity of Duluoz" (1968), Kerouac recalled a typical evening as a Columbia University college student, after relocating to Wallach Hall dormitory (then Livingston Hall):

"…I had a room all to myself, on the second floor, overlooking the beautiful trees and walkways of the campus…Lighting my fragrant pipe at 8 P.M., I'd open the pages of my homework, turn on station WQXR for the continual classical music, and sit there, in the golden glow of my lamp, in a sweater, sigh and say, 'Well, now I'm a real collegian at last.'"

In "Desolation Pops", a collection of haiku poetry composed during the summer of 1953 when Kerouac served as a solitary fire lookout on Washington's Desolation Peak, Kerouac paid frequent tribute to his pipe. Evidently, pipe-smoking encouraged meditation, an activity central to the study and practice of Buddhism.

"My pipe unlit beside the Diamond Sutra - What to think?"

"Silent pipe - peace and quiet In my heart"

"Me, my pipe, my folded legs - Far from Buddha"

"My corncob pipe hot from the sun"

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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August 19, 2020 10:30 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

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Bid Increments
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$100 $299 $20
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$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000