Chester Kahn — Navajo Silversmith Hallmark — T.Skies Co-Op

Name-card placeholder — hallmark imagery to follow.

# Chester Kahn — Navajo Silversmith

Chester Kahn (1936–2019; Navajo) was active in jewelry from the 1960s until his death. A multi-disciplinary artist, he worked as a painter, illustrator, and silversmith. His silverwork encompassed traditional approaches: stamp work, stone settings, and fabricated jewelry.

Kahn studied with Charles Loloma and worked alongside Joe Tanner. He received the 2008 Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial Living Treasure award and was a multiple award winner throughout his career.

He was the nephew of John and Tom Burnside and the brother of Franklin Kahn. (The Burnside family represents one of the major lineages in Navajo silversmithing; see also Tom Burnsides.) His brother Franklin Kahn (Navajo) also worked as an artist and silversmith in the traditional style.

## The Marks

> "Chester Kahn (1936-2019; Navajo). Active in jewelry since 1960s. Traditional; stamp work; stone sets; fabricated jewelry. Artist, painter, illustrator and silversmith. Studied with Charles Loloma; worked with Joe Tanner. 2008 Inter-tribal Indian Ceremonial Living Treasure award. Multiple award winner. Nephew of John and Tom Burnside. Brother of [Franklin] Kahn. Mark: C K (conjoined, since about 1970); C KAHN" > — Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks, 5th ed. (2022), approx. p. ~166.

The primary marks are C K (letters conjoined, in use since approximately 1970) and C KAHN. His brother Franklin Kahn used the mark K K DINE.

## References - Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks, 5th ed. Schiffer Publishing, 2022. Entry approx. p. ~166.

Know more about Chester Kahn or the Burnside family lineage? Contact T.Skies.