Olmec Jade Standing Figure, ex-Arte Primitivo

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Fine Antiquities | Ethnographica | Fine Art

By Artemis Gallery

May 19, 2022

Set Reminder 2022-05-19 10:00:00 2022-05-19 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Fine Antiquities | Ethnographica | Fine Art https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/fine-antiquities-ethnographica-fine-art-9350
Featuring a very special collection of Fine Art from the Hollywood Hills, including Picasso & Rookwood ceramics! Also included are many fine examples of classical antiquities, ancient, and ethnographic art from cultures encompassing the globe. Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com

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• Lot Description
  Pre-Columbian, Southern Mexico to Guatemala, Olmec, ca. 1000 BCE. An exemplary Olmec standing figure, finely carved from a rich jade, standing with lengthy arms that extend down from square shoulders and end in tapered hands, creating an avian presentation. The oversized and characteristically misshapen head presents a stylized visage with quintessentially were-jaguar facial details including a downturned jaguar mouth, slender eyes, a dramatically angled brow, a broad nose, and long ears. The figure's elongated head was a sign of high status most likely due to an artificial cranial deformation, as the Olmec traditionally wore tight-fitting helmets, which is perhaps depicted via his flat head with a horizontal raised band. This particular Olmec work stands out for its expressive face which is largely due to those engaging eyes and that masterfully delineated were-jaguar mouth. The front and verso of the figure each feature a pair of incised circles just below the shoulders. Size: 1.6" W x 5.3" H (4.1 cm x 13.5 cm); 5.7" H (14.5 cm) on included custom stand.
  
  To the Olmecs, statuettes 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, replete with strong technique, intriguing symbolism, and an inherently beautiful greenstone mottled with veining of various shades of green, white, and black hues.
  
  This piece has been searched against the Art Loss Register database and has been cleared. The Art Loss Register maintains the world's largest database of stolen art, collectibles, and antiques.
  
  Provenance: ex-Arte Primitivo, New York, New York, USA; ex-private Illinois, USA collection, acquired in Paris, France in the late 1950s to 1960s
  
  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.
  
  PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
  
  Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
  
  #167940

  Condition

  Missing bottom of proper left leg and foot. Chipping with minor loss to proper left hand. Repaired at right ankle and waist with break lines visible. Expected hairline surface fissures in some areas, as naturally occurring in stone. Otherwise, excellent with light earthen deposits in recessed areas.
• Shipping Info

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