Lot 36
Pre-Columbian, Maya Territories, Late Classic Period, ca. 550 to 900 CE. An incredible low relief jade pectoral pendant hand pecked and polished into an abstract motif of a person in profile - their head facing right in the upper corner, the sides perforated for suspension. Jade in ancient Mexico was incredibly precious and a difficult stone to carve due to its hardness - in fact, jade is harder than steel! Sculpting a stone of this size must have taken considerable time to string cut the intricate details! As was the custom, the artisan worked with the natural shape of the stone rather than lose any precious surface area- hence the asymmetrical profile. The suspension holes enabled this special piece to be worn as a pendant or clothing ornament by a person prestige and power - either in life or death as a grave good. Size: 2.5" L x 1.75" W (6.4 cm x 4.4 cm)
This piece was originally acquired from the Merton Simpson Gallery, run by the esteemed African American artist Merton Simpson (1928 to 2013), a prominent abstract expressionist painter and one of the most significant dealers and experts of African art. His gallery was a popular destination for both public and private collectors and pieces donated or acquired through Simpson and /or his estate are on display at the Seattle Art Museum, Fowler Museum, and many other institutions. Merton's own paintings have also been exhibited in museums across the United States including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Guggenheim Museum. This jade comes in the original velvet lined case from the Simpson gallery, stamped on the interior lid with the gallery's name and New York address.
Provenance: ex-Marc Amiguet Schmitt estate, Amiguet's Ancient Art, Evansville, Indiana, USA, acquired prior to January 1, 2010, ex-Merton Simpson Gallery, NYC before 1960
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#173423
- Condition: Surface nicks and chips otherwise intact and excellent. Great luster and smooth patina. Light mineral deposits in recessed areas. Old inventory label on periphery, rubbed and indiscernible. Comes with original Simpson gallery stamped case.
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