Description:

Pre-Columbian, Southern Mexico to Guatemala, Maya, Late Classic Period, ca. 550 to 900 CE. A stunning jadeite pendant, pecked and polished into an abstract form with an eye at the center with a spiral, and to the side along the long periphery is a human figure in profile that may represent an ancestor emerging from a serpent mouth. The central eye belongs to a supernatural motif known as a "Vision Serpent" or Kukulkan, and the serpent is believed to have played a role in rituals and ceremonies, serving as a conduit between the spiritual and earthly realms. As was the custom, the artisan worked with the natural shape of the stone rather than lose any precious surface area- hence the asymmetrical shape. A large suspension hole is drilled from both ends, meeting in the center, and this beautiful pendant could be strung and worn today! Size of jade: 1.8" L x 1.12" W (4.6 cm x 2.8 cm); case: 5" L x 4" W (12.7 cm x 10.2 cm)

Provenance: ex-private R.D. collection, Long Beach, California, USA collection, acquired over 25 years from various major galleries.

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#183570

  • Condition: Minor nicks to surface, otherwise intact and excellent. Displayed in Riker case.

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February 9, 2024 8:00 AM MST
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