Description:

Pre-Columbian, Southern Mexico to Guatemala, Maya, Late Classic Period, ca. 550 to 900 CE. A gorgeous set of two hand-carved jadeite earspools with thick, cylindrical bodies and concave versos. Each earspool features a cylindrical body that is slightly corseted around the midsection, a pair of biconically drilled suspension holes on the verso, a flared obverse rim with five incised grooves that denote flower petals, and a protruding central bulb that represents the disc floret of the flower. Jade ear spools are a symbol of Maya royalty. Jade was revered by the Maya not only for its beauty, but also because it had spiritual power as it was believed to be the embodiment of the wind and the "breath" that formed the Maya soul. Size of each (both are relatively similar): 0.8" L x 0.7" W (2 cm x 1.8 cm)

Provenance: ex-private R. Thomas collection, southern California, USA

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#150329

  • Condition: Both items have minor nicks and abrasions to bodies and rims, with light encrustations, otherwise intact and very good. Light earthen deposits throughout.

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November 14, 2019 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$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