Description:

China, Hongshan, 3500 to 2200 BCE. A tutelary spirit figure amulet, expertly carved from a single piece of translucent quartz crystal in the shape of a celt flanked by a pair of human-faced crescent moons. Tutelary spirits are community deities of creation and nature traditionally believed to serve as guides with divine power, symbols associated with villages populated by particular surnames and ancestry. A very strong example with perforations at top and bottom for suspension. Size: 2.75" L x 2.125" W (7 cm x 5.4 cm)

The Chinese, like many cultures, have traditionally been fond of the moon, a celestial body that conjures both charm and mystery. There is the infamous mid-autumn Moon Festival that is believed to bring about good fortune, harmony, and abundance. It is celebrated on the fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month, and is the occasion for enjoying moon caked and family reunions.

Provenance: Ex-Private LA County collection formed over the period between 1980 and 2000; Ex-Peter Klika collection.

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.

#119838

  • Condition: Choice. Gorgeous translucency and nice mineral deposits.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

January 18, 2017 7:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 24.5% 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 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000