Description:

Pre-Columbian, Mayan, Motagua River Valley Region, Guatemala, Early Classic Period, ca. 300-600 CE. This miniature jar features iconography that shows a wondrous vision of serpents with avian features with emerging ancestral images. The details were painstakingly carved rather than molded. Note that the iconography on this vessel shows bearded vision serpents with somewhat bird-like features, possibly a regional or stylistic variant of the classic vision serpent. The emerging ancestral heads in their mouths recall the Hero Twins and they possible show paintbrushes or pens stuck in their hairdos, dangling in front of their faces. The complexity of the carving is masterful and balanced. Erroneously called "poison jars", the shape of these small globular vessels recall the modern day Maya gourd used to contain various tobacco admixtures. Therefore, it is highly likely they functioned as snuff bottles, similar to Chinese examples. This one is covered in red, spectacular hematite pigment - a possible funerary substitute for the original contents. 2 3/8"H Provenance: Ex-private Miami, FL collection 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. #80020

  • Condition: VESSEL IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION WITH A SMALL AREA OF THE MOUTH RIM EDGE (1/4" SLIVER SHAPED) DEFICIENT SINCE ANCIENT TIMES. CARVED IMAGES ARE CRISP AND CLEAR. EXTENSIVE REMAINS OF SPECULAR RED HEMATITE PIGMENT INSIDE AND OUTSIDE.

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March 19, 2015 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 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000