John Lennon Complete "Bag One" Suite of Fifteen Signed Limited Edition Lithographs, #124/300, with Original White Portfolio Ba... (Total: 4 Items)

Description

John Lennon Complete "Bag One" Suite of Fifteen Signed Limited Edition Lithographs, #124/300, with Original White Portfolio Bag. Lennon created a series of drawings depicting scenes from his and Yoko Ono's wedding and honeymoon. He gave them to her as a wedding present in 1969. The next year, a series of fourteen lithographs were created based on the original drawings and exhibited in New York and London. Eight of the prints were quite erotic in nature and Scotland Yard confiscated them as pornography, a charge that was later dropped. There were 300 numbered sets of the prints created, each 23" x 30" in size and signed in graphite by Lennon They were placed inside an imprinted white vinyl zippered case and sold through art galleries. Through the years many, if not most, of these complete portfolios have been broken up with the signed lithographs and bags sold individually. One could search long and hard before finding another example of a complete and original Bag One suite as nice as this. Each individual lithograph has been archivally encapsulated in clear acetate film against an acid free board. None have ever been mounted or framed. The entire bag has been kept in a larger zippered leather portfolio for protection. Absolutely Mint condition.

Included with the portfolio is a matted and framed 6.5" x 5.25" color photo of Yoko and Sean signed for both by her: "To Tammy & Ron Love Yoko & Sean NYC 1985" (transmittal envelope included). Also, two 1987 5" x 7" folders from an art gallery in Hawaii advertising an appearance by Yoko at an exhibition of Lennon art, each is signed "Yoko Ono" beneath a photo of her and John together. All fine or better.

This suite consists of sixteen full-sized numbered individual lithographs, all but the first personally signed by Lennon (unless noted): (1) A "limitation" sheet describing the set: "John Lennon/bag one is a series of original lithographs. Each has been pulled on BFK Rives paper at The Bank Street Atelier, Ltd., New York... Example No. 124/300"; (2) "Bag One" title page with the famous John and Yoko image, "Cinnamon Press New York 1970" printed at bottom; (3) "John and Yoko" (please see a very similar original Lennon drawing we are offering elsewhere in this auction); (4) "Poet's Page (A to Z)"; (5) "Exchange of Rings"; (6) "I Do"; (7) "Honeymoon"; (8) "Bed in for Peace"; and (9-16) known as "Erotic #1" through "Erotic #8". This is the first complete Bag One Heritage has had the privilege to offer.

Heritage Auctions provides as much information as possible but strongly encourages in-person inspection. Condition statements are offered as general guidance only, not as complete representations of fact, and do not constitute a warranty or assumption of liability by Heritage. Some condition issues may not be noted but may be visible in the photos, which are considered part of the condition report. Lots estimated at $1,000 or less are not de-framed for inspection, and we may be unable to provide additional details for lots valued under $500. Heritage does not guarantee the condition of frames and is not liable for damage to frames, glass/acrylic coverings, original boxes, display accessories, or artwork that has shifted in the frame. All lots are sold "AS IS" under our Terms & Conditions of Auction.