Description
Model History:
The Pony Express square was designed in 1993 by Kermit Oliver, the only American artist to have collaborated with Hermès. Deeply attached to the history of Texas and Native American heritage, Oliver blends epic storytelling and ethnographic realism in his designs for the Parisian house. The Pony Express was a horse-drawn postal service set up in the United States in 1860 to carry mail rapidly across the vast territories of the West, before the advent of the telegraph. The square thus embodies a pivotal period in American history, one of conquest, communication and often conflicting cultural encounters. Kermit Oliver offers a romanticized yet documented vision, enriched with symbolic elements and nods to Western folklore.
Details:
This silk square features a deep red frame highlighted with ropes, ornaments and insignia reminiscent of the equestrian and military world of the 19th century. The center features a leather-clad rider, carrying mail, launched into the American desert, against a backdrop of rocky mountains and brilliant blue skies. The background shows a group of Native American figures observing the scene, in a posture that is both majestic and suspended. The colors are dense and precise, and the fine print emphasizes the intricate design of the motif. The artist’s signature is visible in the lower left-hand corner. As with all Hermès silk squares, the interior is unlined. The twill fabric reveals a characteristic oblique weave that gives it both brilliance and suppleness. The edges are hand-rolled, an emblematic Hermès finish. The silk, soft to the touch, allows easy knotting and impeccable wear around the neck or as a bag accessory.
Product Condition:
The square is in excellent condition, with no visible snags, stains or handling marks. The colors are vivid, the rolled edges well preserved and the fabric perfectly smooth. There are no signs of discoloration or noticeable wear.
Care instructions:
To preserve the brilliance of the silk, avoid contact with water or cosmetics. The square should be stored flat or slightly folded in a drawer, away from direct light. Dry-cleaning is recommended, preferably by a professional familiar with luxury textiles.
Why to choose this product :
This Hermès The Pony Express carré, signed by Kermit Oliver, is much more than a silk accessory: it’s a collector’s item, rare on the market, sought after for its graphic richness and historical importance in the Hermès universe. Produced in 1993 and never reissued to this day, this creation bears the singularity of having been designed by the only American artist to have collaborated with the House. Its strong symbolic value, detailed narrative motif and depth of color make it a favorite among collectors of vintage squares.
Beyond its traditional use, this square can also be sublimated in a frame – like a painting – to become an exceptional decorative piece, to be displayed in a refined interior. Its pictorial composition and print quality make it ideal for wall hanging, transforming a silk square into a genuine textile work of art. This model will appeal to anyone looking for a rare, singular piece full of character, at the crossroads of history, art and Hermès craftsmanship.
