Description:

Pre-Columbian, Southern Mexico to Guatemala, Maya, Late Classic Period, ca. 550 to 900 CE. A collection of 5 miniature pottery vessels known as "poison jars," all of various forms including an adorable owl effigy and another with a zoomorphic head protruding from the shoulder. The blackware with a ribbed, globular form has red cinnabar pigment within recessed areas and inside the mouth. Traditionally, these petite vessels were known as "poison" or "medicine" bottles, in part because of their comparison to similar bottles used by other cultures, but further analysis suggests they may have had other uses. They are often found in the context of burials, filled with red pigment like cinnabar or hematite, but with the remains of other things underneath the pigment (as if they were used in life and then filled with pigment upon death). Their size indicates they held dear substances not required in large quantities such as poisons or medicines, but also perfume, tobacco, and ritual drugs like powdered mushrooms. Size of tallest: 2" Diameter x 2.75" H (5.1 cm x 7 cm)

Provenance: ex-Marc Amiguet Schmitt estate, Amiguet's Ancient Art, Evansville, Indiana, USA, acquired prior to January 1, 2010

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#173397

  • Condition: Intact without repairs or restoration. Minor chips to rims and surface abrasions. Remains of cinnabar and earthen deposits inside vessels

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

October 20, 2022 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 26.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000