Description:

Southern Mexico to Guatemala, Olmec, ca. 1150 to 550 BCE. The Olmecs exhibited an extraordinary command of jade, an extremely difficult to carve medium. Olmec jade objects such as this trapezoidal celt/axe form are unparalleled for the blue-green hues and natural veining in the stone as well as their compact, remarkably symmetrically balanced form, and elegant surface finish. This ceremonial celt, being of rare quality, is no exception, but it also stands out for its generous girth. Note that this one is as wide as it is deep! Size: 1.25" L x 1.25" W x 5.375" H (3.2 cm x 3.2 cm x 13.7 cm); 6" H (15.2 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex Arte Primitivo

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#131925

  • Condition: Superb, choice!

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May 10, 2018 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$300 $999 $50
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$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