Lot 222A
Pre-Columbian, Mayan territories, ca. 600 to 950 CE. An exquisite jade plaque of seafoam green hues, depicting the profile head of a Mayan ruler wearing an elaborate plumed headdress that also depicts the head of a ferocious animal. Given the ornate nature of the headdress, this king was delineated in a manner akin to the "Nebaj style" which usually features depictions of a leader sitting cross-legged upon a throne in full regalia. Here, it appears the artist wisely opted to orient the stone in order to maximize the area necessary to delineate the full extent of the figure's headdress. Laterally perforated for suspension through the upper end. Custom stand. Size: 3.625" W x 2.125" H (9.2 cm x 5.4 cm); 3.625" H (9.2 cm) on stand
This piece is particularly impressive for its fine carving technique which demonstrates the artisan's extraordinary command of this difficult to carve stone. What's more, the composition is somewhat unique, for the figure is not presented in the usual full figure arrangement. Instead, this artist wished to depict the extensive decoration on the ruler's headdress, so, as the Mayans had a knack for working with the given shape of a stone, he oriented the stone so that it was wider (side to side) making it possible to delineate every plume and adornment. A masterful demonstration of complex, incised figurative work that creates the impression of a three-dimensional image on a relatively compact, flat surface. A truly stupendous example!
Provenance: private R.D. collection, Long Beach, California, USA collection, acquired over 25 years from various major galleries.
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#124372
- Condition: Loss (probably an old loss) to lower left. Otherwise in excellent condition.
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| From: | To: | Increments: |
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| $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 |