Description:

Pre-Columbian, Southern Mexico to Guatemala, Olmec, ca. 900 to 500 BCE. A remarkable standing Olmec were-jaguar figure, finely carved from a beautiful blue-green jade. This statuette is shown nude with skillfully delineated quintessentially were-jaguar facial details - downturned jaguar mouth, slanted eyes, high arching brows, and jowly cheeks - upon a characteristically elongated pear-shaped head, a sign of high status most likely due to an artificial cranial deformation, as the Olmec traditionally wore tight-fitting helmets. In addition, the artisan painstakingly made miniscule perforations through the ears and nose for further ornamentation. To the Olmecs, figurines like this example carried many meanings, not all of which are obvious to us today; however, scholars surmise that the color green was associated with vibrant growth, renewal, and given the cyclical conception of life and death, rejuvenation after death. A breathtaking work of art in near miniature, replete with strong technique, intriguing symbolism, and an inherently beautiful jade stone. Size: 1.1" L x 1.7" W x 4.5" H (2.8 cm x 4.3 cm x 11.4 cm); 5.5" H (14 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private R.D. collection, Long Beach, California, USA collection, acquired via Artemis Gallery, Louisville, Colorado, USA, November 17, 2016; ex-private Lexington, Kentucky, USA collection; ex-Thomas Harold Collection, GE Engineer who collected the figure while working in Mexico in the 1930's

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.

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SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)

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#189542

    Condition:
  • Loss to left ear, hence perforation no longer there. Tiny surface loss to left of chin. Old scuff to tip of right foot and age-expected surface wear as shown. Otherwise, nicely preserved detail with lustrous, polished surfaces. Light earthen deposits in recessed areas.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

SHIPPING LOGISTICS: As a courtesy to our clients worldwide, Artemis Gallery is happy to handle shipping for most lots sold, taking the hassle (and high cost!) out of having to arrange shipping on your own. Shipping costs will be added to your invoice at auction's end based on information given when you registered to bid - we strive to offer the most economical shipping costs to ensure safe transit. Our shippers of choice are DHL for International shipments and UPS for domestic shipments, but we are able to ship via other carriers at the buyer's expense as deemed necessary or by request.

For shipments of oversize items, Artemis Gallery will assist the buyer in working with a third-party shipping provider. For shipments outside of the USA, customs and duties may apply upon entry into said country, and this fee, if any, is the buyer's responsibility. If you have questions about this, please inquire BEFORE bidding.

Items will be shipped only upon receipt of payment in full and will be insured for their full value - no exceptions.

January 17, 2025 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