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LOT 0441
Prehispanic Mayan Jade Mask
6TH-9TH CENTURY A.D.
7 7/8 in. (1.1 kg total, 20 cm high including stand).
A human mask carved from a block of jade with lateral piercings for attachment at the temple and lower ear, prominent nose and lips, recessed eyes to accept inlay; mounted on a custom-made display stand.
Provenancewith Throckmorton Fine Arts, 1990s.
English private collection.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11720-199826.
See Schmidt, P., Maya Civilization, Thames and Hudson, London, 1998, pp.554 and 555, for other examples of jade masks from the ancient Maya.
FootnotesCarved from jade, the most highly prized material of the ancient Maya, this mask displays a naturalism suggestive of a specific individual of importance. Other known examples appear to emphasise the supernatural or aspects of particular deities.
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AUCTIONS:
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Prehispanic Painted Bowl
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A carinated ceramic bowl with short neck, everted rim and rounded base, densely painted geometric motifs to the rim interior and upper body; stylised human face or 'mask' incised to the underside. 904 grams, 22 cm wide
Ex S.A.R. La Principessa Reale Maria Beatrice Di Savoia. with Christie's, London, 22 April 2005. English private collection -
Prehispanic Animal Statue Group
16th century A.D. or earlierEstimate: £500 - 700 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £250
A group of stone animal statues including a frog; bird; a pair of felines and a dog, all with stylised detailing. 153 grams total, 35-59 mm
Ex S.A.R. La Principessa Reale Maria Beatrice Di Savoia. with Christie's, London, 22 April 2005. English private collection. -
Prehispanic Nayarit Seated Figure
100 B.C.-200 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £176
A ceramic figure of a squatting male with the arms folded round the knees, mouth opened to form a spout and top of head open to form a socket, banded decoration to the body. 234 grams, 12.2 cm high
Acquired in the 1990s. English private collection.
This seated figure appears to be speaking or in song. The flared cheeks may also represent ritual piercing of the mouth, a unique feature of the art of ancient West Mexico and displayed on some Nayarit sculptures.
