Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 5
Pre-Columbian Honduran Marble Bowl
$44,500
£33,557.42
€38,810.76
CA$62,433.26
A$69,398.45
CHF 36,377.18
MX$847,522.99
NOK 454,148.10
SEK 427,268.64
DKK 289,672.26
About the Item
This exceptionally rare Ulúa marble bowl displays the lustrous white glow of the stone vessels that are native to the Ulúa river valley region of Honduras. With its alluring fluid flow of relief carvings around the entirety of its form, it exemplifies the remarkable ability of the ancient craftsmen. Ulúa artisans used simple stone tools to create magnificent marble bowls such as this one, and their work is highly valued for its intricacy and almost translucent quality.
Marble bowls represent a fascinating feat of both skill and artistry. Delicate carving of intricate intricate scrollwork and elaborate cosmological designs, they represent a long tradition of Mesoamerican lapidary art. The scrollwork on this vessel almost certainly depicts the rain deity of the region, Chac. Other marble vessels show representations of the wind and sun deities - these depictions were closely linked with the local agriculture, and such bowls likely would once have been used by ancient priests and nobility to petition the mercy of deities. They have also been found in royal tombs, suggesting they were used for offerings to one's ancestors.
The people of the Ulúa valley were the only known people in the New World to create such marble pieces, as the stone was delicate and difficult to work with only rudimentary early tools. A unique vessel such as this one would have been highly prized locally and traded as an exotic import.
Altogether less than 200 of these marble vessels are known to still exist today. So few have been found that it has been suggested they were possibly manufactured by a single artist and his family within a couple of generations. Today, these vessels are highly valued and are among the most sought-after items from the Pre-Columbian period. Only a handful exist outside of museums and very few become available for acquisition.
800 to 1000 AD
Measures: 3 1/4" high x 4" diameter.
- Dimensions:Height: 3.25 in (8.26 cm)Diameter: 4 in (10.16 cm)
- Style:Other (In the Style Of)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:800-1000 AD
- Condition:
- Seller Location:New Orleans, LA
- Reference Number:Seller: 29-97001stDibs: LU891122426442
About the Seller
5.0
Recognized Seller
These prestigious sellers are industry leaders and represent the highest echelon for item quality and design.
Established in 1912
1stDibs seller since 2010
111 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 9 hours
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: New Orleans, LA
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View AllChinese Coconut Cup
Located in New Orleans, LA
Carved from the shell of a coconut, this enchanting Chinese cup exhibits exceptional artistry. An elegant floral design encircles the entire cup, while the interior is fully lined with silver. In addition to the poison detecting powers attributed to coconuts, the Chinese believed that silver would tarnish when in contact with poison. In fact, many wealthy Chinese used silver lined cups and chopsticks tipped with silver fittings as an assurance against poisoning. To find a silver-lined coconut cup...
Category
Antique Early 19th Century Chinese Other Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Coconut
$3,950
Russian Imperial Neoclassical Kalgan Jasper Tazza
Located in New Orleans, LA
This Russian Imperial Neoclassical Kalgan Jasper Tazza, measuring nearly 2 feet tall and dated 1888, hails from the esteemed Imperial Lapidary Manufact...
Category
Antique 19th Century Russian Neoclassical Planters and Jardinieres
Materials
Stone
Ancient Roman Glass Funerary Urn
Located in New Orleans, LA
This extraordinary glass vessel hails from the illustrious Roman empire, likely from Italy, dating to the mid-1st to 2nd century CE. It is exceptionally rare to find such a large and...
Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Urns
Materials
Glass
Cameo Glass Bowl by Daum Nancy
By Daum
Located in New Orleans, LA
Leafy pendants adorn this fine cameo glass bowl by Daum, known for their singular pieces of art glass of the utmost quality. Daum has remained an impo...
Category
Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Decorative Bowls
Materials
Glass
Tulio Lombardo Style Marble Fountain
Located in New Orleans, LA
This marble fountain sculpture in the style of Tulio Lombardo embodies the glory of Renaissance sculpture. Reminiscent of classical portrait busts, a bearded man's face serves as the...
Category
Antique 17th Century Italian Renaissance Fountains
Materials
Marble
Daum Nancy Glass Vase
Located in New Orleans, LA
This Daum Nancy acid-etched glass vase represents an exceptionally rare and particularly graceful model from the renowned French firm. The glassmakers of Daum Nancy have long been ce...
Category
20th Century French Vases
Materials
Glass
$2,985
You May Also Like
Ceramic footed bowl after a Pre-Columbian model
Located in Kenilworth, IL
Hand thrown shallow footed red clay pottery bowl after a Pre-Columbian model. The bowl is decorated in black and oxide red with four bands of birds reflected along two parallel lines...
Category
20th Century Decorative Bowls
Materials
Ceramic
A late Hellenistic conical marble bowl
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Greek, Eastern Mediterranean, mid 2nd to early 1st century BCE
The bowl with an uneven, rounded rim, and the straight side, tapering diagonally downward.
H. 8.5 x Diam. 15 cm
Pro...
Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Greek Decorative Bowls
Materials
Marble
Pre-Columbian Nariño Footed Polychrome Bowl
Located in West Hollywood, CA
A striking example of Pre-Columbian artistry, this footed bowl hails from the Nariño culture of southern Colombia, dating from 850–1500 AD. Crafted with a rich red-orange slip and ad...
Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Ecuadorean Pre-Columbian Decorative Bowls
Materials
Terracotta
Spanish 18th Century Marble Mortar
Located in Round Top, TX
A very charming 18th century mortar from the Catalan region in Spain. Beautifully carved from stone. A wonderful accessory piece for any kitchen, bathroom, or table top.
Category
Antique 18th Century Spanish Decorative Bowls
Materials
Marble
Maya Polychrome Copador Bowl
Located in Chicago, IL
Exhibiting a rich patina, this petite Maya ceramic bowl dating back to c. 600-900 AD was crafted in the El Copador style. The El Copador style is a polych...
Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Salvadoran Pre-Columbian Decorative Bowls
Materials
Ceramic
Nepalese Marble or Stone Small Primitive Bowl 'No.2'
Located in London, GB
A primitive style marble or stone bowl or platter.
Small size.
Nepal, c1920s.
Good condition.
Ideal for a wabi-sabi style. Very tactile.
Location: Belgium Gallery...
Category
Vintage 1920s Nepalese Decorative Bowls
Materials
Stone
More Ways To Browse
Used Stone Tools
Antique Marble Relief
Pre Columbian
Antique Stone Bowl
White Marble Bowls
Antique Marble Bowl
Marble 15th Century
Antique Carving Tools
Pre Columbian Vessel
Pre Columbian Stone
Priest Carving
Pre Columbian Bowl
Vintage Metal Bowl
Glass Bowl Thick
Brass Bowl Modern Decorative
Brown Murano Bowls
Hand Turned Bowl
Antique Enamel Bowls