Description:

Pre-Columbian, Mexico to Guatemala, Olmec, ca. 900 to 600 BCE. A fine omphacite jade celt with a rich fern green hue, pecked to a trapezoidal shape, and painstakingly polished to a smooth surface that is nearly reflective. This celt is an ancient tool, shaped like an axe head with a rounded blade and slightly incurved sides that form a straight edge. The surface is delightfully smooth in texture; formed over many hours using painstaking techniques by master artisans and speckled throughout the stone are glimmering inclusions of what might be mica. The lovely green hues of the jade made this a desirable piece, and jade held symbolic power for ancient cultures; perhaps its color was associated with water and vegetation. Size: 4.85" L x 1.5" W (12.3 cm x 3.8 cm)

Provenance: private Atlanta, Georgia, USA collection, purchased in 1994; ex-Bob Sebastian collection, purchased in 1955

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.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#168804

  • Condition: Minor chips to the butt end and small surface abrasions on the faces, otherwise intact and very good. Smooth with beautiful coloration.

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June 8, 2022 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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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