15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
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Period: 15th Century and Earlier
Natural Silky Fibrous Malachite Large Cabinet Specimen
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A large cabinet example of a silky fibrous malachite specimen sourced from Congo, presented on a bespoke medium base for interior display.
Malachite is known for its vivid natural g...
Category
Congolese Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Natural Fiber
Chinese Neolithic Painted Ovoid Pottery Jar, Machang Period #7
Located in Bradenton, FL
Chinese Neolithic Ovoid Pottery Jar from the Majiayao Culture, specifically the Machang phase, in northwest China, and dating back roughly 4000 years. Ja...
Category
Chinese Other Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Pottery
Alethopteris Species Fern Fossil Natural Specimen, 305+ Million Years Old
Located in Warrenton, OR
Alethopteris Species Fern Fossil Natural Specimen, 305+ Million Years Old. This is such a stunning piece that it simply must have a stand. If you like, this stand will be included a...
Category
American Organic Modern Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Organic Material
$312 Sale Price
20% Off
Purple Amethyst & Calcite Mineral Specimen, Artigas, Uruguay
Located in Edison, NJ
Artigas is known for amethysts of the darkest and richest hues of purple. Lustrous and richly-toned, they are instantly recognizable and not uncommon in the mineral market. What sets...
Category
Brazilian Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Amethyst, Multi-gemstone, Quartz, Rock Crystal
Neolithic Chinese Red Soapstone Bi Disc Carving on Iron Base
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite red soapstone Bi disc is a remarkable artifact from Neolithic China, dating back to the 3rd millennium BC. Set on a modern iron base, the disc reflects the timeless be...
Category
Chinese Chinese Export Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Soapstone, Iron
Large Thai Ban Chiang Painted Pottery Vessel, Late Period, circa 300 BC
Located in Austin, TX
A massive Ban Chiang culture painted pottery vessel, circa 300 BC, Thailand.
The large storage jar painted with a bold spiral pattern in red ochre on a b...
Category
Thai Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Pottery
Ancient Roman Marble Sculpture
Located in Round Top, TX
Ancient Roman marble sculpture. Includes custom iron stand. This is the real thing!
Category
Italian Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble, Iron
Liddicoatite Tourmaline, Madagascar
Located in New York, NY
Liddicoatite, Tourmaline
Anjanbonoina, Antananarivo Prov., Madagascar
16.5 cm tall x 11.4 cm diameter
Liddicoatite is an uncommon form of tourmaline. It was first discovered in Mada...
Category
Malagasy Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Other
Mantelliceras Fossil Ammonite On Steel Mount
By Modenature
Located in Scorton, GB
CONDITION REPORT
Specimen: Mantelliceras Ammonite
Provenance: Anti-Atlas Mountain Range, Agadir Region, Morocco, NWA
Chronostratigraphy: Upper Cretaceous, ~135 Ma
Mount: THE FOSSIL ...
Category
North African Prehistoric Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Limestone, Stainless Steel
Prehistoric Artefact Palaeolithic Acheulean Surmounted Hand Axe
Located in Scorton, GB
Type: Paleolithic Acheulean Hand Axe
Age: Lower & Middle Paleolithic, 1.7 million to 300,000 years
Origin: Northern Sahara Desert, Morocco, North West Africa
Axe: 22.5 x 11 x 4.5 cm...
Category
Algerian Prehistoric Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Stone
Antique Gothic Carved Limestone Model of a Madonna or Venus
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique limestone carving.
Modeled as a Madonna.
With her head slightly tilted, holding an orb in one hand, and with her other hand resting on her breast.
By repute ...
Category
Unknown Gothic Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Limestone
Amethystine Black Galaxy Landscape Formation
Located in London, GB
An exceptional formation resembling an other-worldly landscape. This spherical
geode has been exposed to reveal a gorgeous amethystine quartz interior, the
tinted stalactites resem...
Category
Uruguayan Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Agate, Amethyst, Quartz
Rubellite Tourmaline on Feldspar, Malkhan Pegmatite Field, Russia
Located in New York, NY
Rubellite Tourmaline on Feldspar, Malkhan Pegmatite Field, Krasnyi Chikoy, Zabaykalsky Krai, Russia
Measures: 8 cm tall x 8 cm wide
All rubellite tourmaline is compared to the famou...
Category
Russian Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Other
Ancient Islamic Persian Khurasan Silver Inlaid Bronze Caligraphy Inkwell 1200
Located in Portland, OR
An important Islamic Khurasan bronze and silver-inlaid inkwell & cover, Eastern Persia, Circa 1200.
The inkwell of cylindrical form and having a shallow dome top cover with a tall knopped finial and inlaid with a twin band of scrolled silver. The base of the dome and the rim of the cover having bands on interlaced silver inlay, the inkwell having three loop handles.
The body of the inkwell having two bands of silver inlaid Naskh script, between the bands are twin panels...
Category
Persian Islamic Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Silver, Bronze
A Roman Marble Sculpture of Hercules, Circa 1st / 2nd Century AD Ex Sotheby's
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A Roman Marble Sculpture of Hercules, Circa 1st / 2nd Century AD
The sculpture is nude except for the draped Nemean lion skin.
Provenance: Sotheby's London, December 14, 1981, lot ...
Category
Italian Classical Roman Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
Large Natural Amethyst Stalactite Flower – Grade A Uruguay
Located in NICE, FR
This rare natural amethyst stalactite specimen featuring an exceptional dual "flower" formation. This substantial piece showcases vibrant deep purple crystal growth with concentric f...
Category
Uruguayan Prehistoric Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Amethyst
Tourmaline
Located in New York, NY
Tourmaline
Rubaya, Bahunde, Masisi Territory, North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
6.6 cm tall x 3 cm wide
This colorful tourmaline comes from the recent discoveries in ...
Category
Congolese Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Other
$39,000
Rock Crystal Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
Natural rock crystal sculpture.
Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Rock Crystal
$1,350
Greek Black Glazen Column Krater (4th Century BC)
Located in Soho, London, GB
Black Glazen column krater,
mid-4th century BC, Apulia.
With broad avoid body on a short echinus foot and thick mouth.
The two handles form loops around t...
Category
Italian Classical Greek Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Large Polychrome Fruitera Pedestal Dish, Cocle Culture, Panama
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Large Polychrome Fruitera Pedestal Dish, Cocle Culture, Panama
A large pedestal dish with two hammerhead shark-like sea creatures in plum, ochre and b...
Category
Panamanian Tribal Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Terracotta
Rhodonite, Morro da Mina Mine, Conselheiro Lafaiete, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Located in New York, NY
Rhodonite
Morro da Mina Mine, Conselheiro Lafaiete,
Minas Gerais, Brazil
5.8 cm tall x 7.3 cm wide
The most exceptional rhodonites in the world are now found in Brazil. The...
Category
Brazilian Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Other
2 Khmer Stone Mudra Hands
Located in Vosselaar, BE
These stone sculpture fragments can be dated between the 12th and 13th century. They were finely sculpted by the Khmer people. The Khmer culture flourished between the 8th and 15th c...
Category
Cambodian Other Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Stone
$1,904 / set
Dioptase, Omaue Mine, Kaokoveld Plateau, Kunene Region, Namibia
Located in New York, NY
Dioptase, Omaue Mine, Kaokoveld Plateau, Kunene region, Namibia
Measures: 8.5 cm tall x 7 cm wide
Dioptase, once believed to be emerald when first encountered, is amongst the most vividly colored species. Large gem...
Category
Namibian Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Other
Vintage Cut Geode Paperweight
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice vintage cut geode paper weight, circa 1960s. The piece is in very good condition with wonderful brown, tan, grey and blue colors and measures ...
Category
American Mid-Century Modern Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Quartz
Collected Sculptural Danian-Aged Round Stone Formed 63 Million Years ago
Located in København K, 84
Exceptionally beautiful balanced sculptural stone formed in the Danian age 63 million years ago. Impressive find and a exquisite natural decoration for the sophisticated interior des...
Category
Danish Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Stone
Christ - Umbria, second half of the 15th century
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Christ
Umbria, Orvieto?
Second half of the 15th century
77 x 16.5 cm
Category
Italian Renaissance Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Walnut
Pair of Large 395 Million Year Old Fossilized Orthoceras Marble Finish Statues
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer this stunning pair of fully polished limestone circa 395-million-year-old Fossilized Orthoceras statues
Please note the delivery fee listed is just a gui...
Category
Swedish Other Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Other
$2,828 Sale Price / set
30% Off
Pre-Columbian Stirrup Vessel from Moche Culture
Located in Atlanta, GA
A ceramic stirrup vessel pot from late Moche culture circa 500-700AD in nowadays Northern Coast of Peru.
The hollow vessel features a rounded body and...
Category
Peruvian Pre-Columbian Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Genuine Sericho Pallasite Meteorite Slab (394.3 grams)
Located in New York, NY
In 2016, large masses of the Sericho pallasite meteorite were acquired from villagers in Isiolo County, Kenya, marking its formal discovery. The olivine crystals range in colour from...
Category
Kenyan Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Other, Iron
Pre-Columbian Andean Textile Fragment in Sterling Silver & Hardwood Presentation
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pre-Columbian Andean Textile Fragment in Sterling Silver & Hardwood Presentation Box
Textile: Wari or Inca Culture, Andes, Circa 600–1400 CE Box: Mid-20th Century
A refined and hist...
Category
Peruvian Pre-Columbian Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Sterling Silver
Naturally Formed Mineral, Clear Apophyllite Sculpture
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Naturally formed mineral, clear apophyllite sculpture
India
Measures: 11 x 8 x 4 in. / 28 x 20 x 10 cm
Height on custom display stand: 14 in. / 36 cm
Custom mounted on a ...
Category
Indian Other Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Steel
Collection of Natural History Specimens in Antique Case
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A Collection of natural history specimens in an antique glazed display case. Housing 27 exquisite fossils and minerals this is truly a cabinet of curiosities; including three corals,...
Category
British Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Natural Fiber
Chinese Painted Pottery Jar, Majiayao Culture, Machang Period #1
Located in Bradenton, FL
Chinese Neolithic Pottery Jar from the Majiayao Culture, specificaly the Machang phase, in northwest China, and dating back roughly 4000 year...
Category
Chinese Other Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Pottery
Large Natural Calcite Specimen
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A large calcite specimen sourced from an ex British private collection.
Formed over millions of years, this natural calcite specimen originates from Lesotho, South Africa, showcasin...
Category
Lesothian Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Natural Fiber
Thai Lopburi Cast Bronze Seated Buddha, 13th Century
Located in Austin, TX
A fine early Thai Lopburi figure of a crowned and adorned Buddha, cast bronze, mid-13th century.
The unusual figure of the Buddha sits in virasana upon a stylized lotus pedestal. He is dressed in the traditional monastic robes, but also adorned with a crown and jewelry, including earrings, a necklace, and jeweled belt.
His hands in an atypical combination of mudras. His right hand in bhumisparsha mudra, reaching down to touch the earth, while his left hand held somewhat outwards, seemingly in varada mudra, the gesture of granting favours or wishes. The palm of his outstretched hand marked with the dharmachakra, the Wheel of the Law, representing Buddhist teaching.
The bronze with a beautiful silvery patina.
Lopburi was an independent Mon kingdom with strong ties to the Khmer Angkor...
Category
Thai Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Petrified Conifer Wood from Arizona
Located in London, GB
A large section of a petrified conifer tree trunk, (Araucarioxylon arizonicum) from Northern Arizona, dating to the Triassic period, circa 225 million years ago.
Over hundreds of m...
Category
American Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Quartz
an Barasaurus Fossile
Located in Schellebelle, BE
An exceptional Fossil of an extinct reptile Barausaurus from Madagascar,
from the late Permian and early Triassic,
good patina and shine of the stone, nice detailing of the animal
Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Stone
$2,202 / set
Small Korean Celadon Oil Jar with Slip Inlay Goryeo Dynasty
Located in Atlanta, GA
A small Korean ceramic celadon oil jar with inlay design from Goryeo Dynasty (918 to 1392AD) circa 12-13th century. This type of mini jars from Goryeo period, were made specifically ...
Category
Korean Archaistic Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Azurite Milpillas Mine, Mexico
Located in New York, NY
Azurite, Milpillas Mine, Cuitaca, Santa Cruz Municipality, Sonora, Mexico
Measures: 8 cm tall x 7.5 cm wide
This Azurite was found in the most important pocket, the Electric Blue...
Category
Mexican Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Other
$154,000
Dominican Amber // 15-25 MYO
Located in New York, NY
This large, translucent piece of amber is from the Dominican Republic and is an estimated 16 to 25 million years old. Amber is fossilized tree resin and is considered a mineraloid. T...
Category
Dominican Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Resin
$2,100 Sale Price
30% Off
Natural Petrified Wood Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
A natural piece of Petrified Wood set on a stand. Completely organic natural raw fossil, cleaned for display. The natural process for petrified wood to be created takes hundreds to...
Category
Thai Organic Modern Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Stone
Large Chinese Martaban Ming Dynasty Stoneware Storage Vase with Dragons
Located in Dallas, TX
Large Martaban Ming dynasty stoneware storage vase with dragons, 14th century. Beautiful Ochoa and yellow brown glaze with decorated dragons and Ming clouds. Applied snail or dragon ...
Category
Chinese Ming Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Stoneware
Rare limonite formation with quartz
Located in London, GB
Intense yellow - orange limonite formation with inclusions of white quartz.
Origin: Benalmadena Trinidad Mine - Malaga - Spain
Category
Spanish Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Quartz, Rock Crystal
Antique Money Coin
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique money coin
Each coin is unique and varies slightly in size and stain. Each coin features natural distressing.
Sold individually.
Category
African Minimalist Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
$490 / item
Large Han Dynasty Terra-cotta Court Lady Figure TL Tested
Located in Dallas, TX
Huge Han Dynasty Terracotta figure Of A Court Lady. TL Test conducted by Ralf Kotalla Laboratory in Germany. Report included.
Height: 29...
Category
Chinese Han Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Terracotta
Polished Split Amethyst Geode Surrounded by White Quartz and Agate
Located in London, GB
Polished to a breath-taking finish and presented on an artistic wooden stand, this unique and beautiful piece displays a half geode. The edges of the geodes have been polished reveal...
Category
Uruguayan Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Agate, Amethyst, Quartz
Rubellite Tourmaline on Quartz, Russia
Located in New York, NY
Rubellite Tourmaline on Quartz, Malkhan Pegmatite Field, Krasnyi Chikoy, Zabaykalsky Krai, Russia
Measures: 12.5 cm tall x 15 cm wide
All ru...
Category
Russian Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Other
Rare Japanese antique wooden god statue /12th century/small wabi-sabi figurines
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
I was able to obtain a very rare item.
This is a sculpture of the god ``Shinzo''.
"Shin" = God
"zo" = statue
Since ancient times in Japan, it has been believed that gods reside in all things in the universe, and there have been many shrines.
In the 6th century, Buddhism was introduced and gradually spread throughout Japan.
Around the 8th century, the idea that gods follow the teachings of Buddha spread.
Until the Edo period, God and Buddha became one and the idea of ``Shinto and Buddhism syncretism'' was established.
This statue was created during such a history.
Originally, the image of God was invisible and could not be understood as something tangible.
However, with the introduction of Buddhism to Japan, idol worship was also introduced, and the idea that the gods follow the teachings of Buddha was also propagated at the same time in order to spread the teachings of Buddhism.
Around that time, around the 9th century, the first statues of gods...
Category
Japanese Other Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Cypress
Korean Ceramic Buncheong Ware Tea Bowl Early Joseon Dynasty
Located in Atlanta, GA
An antique Korean Buncheong stoneware tea bowl (chawan) from early Joseon Dynasty circa late 15th to early 16th century. The bowl with a short ring base is nearly entirely covered in a white slip except the base (known as sougusuri in Japanese, total glaze). Iron-colored scrolling vines were painted on with quick and deft brush strokes, rendering the bowl a vital and spontaneous appeal. It appears that the bowl was dipped in the white slip instead of being brushed on, observing from the slip pattern left on the rim of the bowl. The bowl shows significant age and evident of use for tea drinking. There are losses of glaze flakes throughout, along the rim and inside the bowl. The flake off the glaze left a dark spot on the rim, exposing the deep colored clay underneath. Inside the bowl, many of the glaze flakes appear more superficial and retains a yellowing color from the tea stains (known as amamori, rain leak). There is a historical crack line on the exterior (surface only) that result in associated small losses of glaze. It appears that the crack line was the result from the kiln firing and gradually the glaze around it started to reduce. The bowl comes with a later wrapping cloth and a wood tomobako box, but they are not original to the piece.
This particular type of Buncheong ware was associated with the Hakbong-ri kilns in the sacred Mount Gyeryong Mountains, west of Daejeon city in the Chungcheong province. During early Joseon Dynasty, the emperor decided to reject Buddhism to embrace the Confucianism. As a result, many monks were forced to abandon their religious life and returned to the secular society. The monks in Gyeryong mountains set up the kilns and started to produce this so called "Hakbong-ri" type of Buncheong ware. The production was shorted-lived for only a few decades from late 15th to early 16th century before it turned to porcelain, but the ware made during that period was noted for their fresh and enigmatic appeal with deft iron-paint decoration. Collectors cherish these rare pieces for their vitality and spontaneity often used them on important occasions of chado in Japan and passed down to generation.
For a similar bowl, see Catalog 52 illustrated on page 87 of the book "Korean Buncheong Ceramics...
Category
Korean Archaistic Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Khmer Carved Sandstone Male Deity, Style of the Baphoun, 11th Century
Located in Austin, TX
A delightful carved sandstone sculpture of an unidentified male deity, Khmer, Angkor Period, style of the Baphuon, 11th century.
The smil...
Category
Cambodian Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Sandstone
Crinoid Fossil from Morocco, from the Ordovician Period 450-Million-Years Ago
Located in Chicago, IL
Another large Crinoid fossil from our collection. Crinoids are more commonly known as sea lilies and are members of the Echinodermata phylum with the st...
Category
Moroccan Other Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Stone
Amethyst Cluster with Stalactite Formations and Calcite Crystals
Located in London, GB
An exquisite and rare amethyst cluster with stalactite formations and calcite crystals.
The stunning piece’s shape resembles a “Cascade” or “waterfa...
Category
Uruguayan Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Agate, Amethyst, Quartz
Chinese Tang Dynasty Pottery Court Lady
Located in Austin, TX
Painted pottery figure of an opulent Chinese court woman with up-swept hair and standing in a simply draped robe from the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). Her beauty is illuminated by the ...
Category
Chinese Tang Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Pottery, Acrylic
Chinese Neolithic Painted Ovoid Pottery Jar, Machang Period #10
Located in Bradenton, FL
Chinese Neolithic Ovoid Pottery Jar from the Majiayao Culture, specifically the Machang phase, in northwest China, and dating back roughly 4000 years. Jar is made from earthenware an...
Category
Chinese Other Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Pottery
Indian Carved Sandstone Frieze of Lakshmi, Central India, 10th-11th Century
Located in Austin, TX
A large and impressive Indian carved sandstone architectural frieze featuring a central image of the Hindu goddess Lakshmi flanked by two atten...
Category
Indian Medieval Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Sandstone
Megalithic Stone Chicken Statue from Sumba Island, Indonesia, c. 1500
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
Sumba Island has maintained a megalithic tradition from the Neolithic times to the present day and is one of the few remaining truly megalithic cultures. Sumba Island Nobility and th...
Category
Indonesian Other Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Stone
$4,400 Sale Price
20% Off
Chinese Neolithic Painted Pottery Jar, Machang Period #3
Located in Bradenton, FL
Chinese Neolithic Pottery Jar from the Majiayao Culture, specifically the Machang phase, in northwest China, and dating back roughly 4000 yea...
Category
Chinese Other Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Pottery
Chinese Painted Ovoid Pottery Jar, Machang Period #6
Located in Bradenton, FL
Chinese Neolithic Ovoid Pottery Jar from the Majiayao Culture, specifically the Machang phase, in northwest China, and dating back roughly 4000 years. Ja...
Category
Chinese Other Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Pottery
Genuine Natural Large Carcharodontosaurus Dinosaur Tooth
Located in New York, NY
Carcharodontosaurus (Dinosaur) tooth in a glass display box From Tegana Formation, North Africa.
Cretaceous Age 65 million years
Carcharodontosaurus is one of the longest and heavi...
Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Other
Supernatural Being, Pre-Columbian Gold Pendant, Costa Rica, circa 800 to 1500 AD
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
Southern Costa Rica or Western Panama, circa 800 to 1500 AD. A very fine example of the goldwork of the Veraguas-Chiriqui-Diquis region. A pendant in Carbonera style of a supernatural being, a composite monster with human torso and feline (probably jaguar) head. The figure is set in a frame decorated with little animal heads, one at each corner. The hands have also turned into animal heads. In place of genitalia is a stylized serpent head suspended by a twisted cord that was supposed to continue across the frame. A minor casting accident prevented it form being attached to the frame. A modern goldsmith would solder in two short lengths of twisted wire, but the ancient goldsmith did not have the equipment to make such repair. A double thread ending in spirals goes across the frame behind the neck of the figure, helping to fill up the frame and avoiding a large empty space. The word "thread" reminds us that the twisted and straight cords were, in the original wax model of the pendant really extruded wax threads, turned into metal by the lost wax (cire perdue) process. The braid pattern on the frame is illusory, just two twisted threads of extruded wax laid side by side. The goldsmith made the toes out of extruded wax thread too, very decorative as well. The piece comes with a certificate of authenticity by Mr. Robert Sonin, 5 May 2006. ref. photo roll 3301. A world renowned expert on Pre-Columbian Artifacts...
Category
Costa Rican Pre-Columbian Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Gold
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