Carbonera Gold Pectoral of a Jaguar Deity - FJ.6251, Origin: Costa Rican/Panamanian Border Area, Circa: 500 AD to 1550 AD, Dimensions: 4" (10.2cm) high x 4" (10.2cm) wide,  More »

Carbonera Gold Pectoral of a Jaguar Deity - FJ.6251, Origin: Costa Rican/Panamanian Border Area, Circa: 500 AD to 1550 AD, Dimensions: 4" (10.2cm) high x 4" (10.2cm) wide, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Carbonera, Medium: Gold. This fabulous pectoral seems as if it just surfaced from a mythical realm. It is as if no human hands were involved in its creation; suddenly appearing like an element of nature or a piece of the sun. When seeing something so marvelous our senses are alive and alert to the fantastic; our eyes revolve around the complex inner design which is like a gateway to a secret temple.   « Less

This slender-necked flask is representative of the Han practice of imitating earlier bronze traditions. Combining the styles inherited from the Shang with new technical  More »

This slender-necked flask is representative of the Han practice of imitating earlier bronze traditions. Combining the styles inherited from the Shang with new technical skills, the Han were able to make an innovative contribution to the tradition of ritual object making. The transformation of the lips into the shape of a blooming flower attests to artisan's commitment to tradition and innovation. The sensual shape of the flask adds to the beauty of this vessel that was used to hold wine in ceremonies and banquets.A traditional feature of early bronzeware is the two-headed dragon handle. This distinctive handle connects the sides of the vessel with two long chains held in the mouths of a dragon and an upside down Taotie mask. Four large Taotie animal masks are placed on top of the belly in positions representing the Four Directions. The Taotie motif evolved from early bronzeware decor, probably out of the desire to propitiate the forces of the animal world to ensure a bountiful harvest and beneficial happenings. - (PF.4545)   « Less

Three curved extensions with holes at the bottom protrude from the lid of this very handsome vessel. The handles curve upwards and flatten off at the top. The three legs are  More »

Three curved extensions with holes at the bottom protrude from the lid of this very handsome vessel. The handles curve upwards and flatten off at the top. The three legs are broad at the upper portion, becoming narrower and curved in the form of animal legs. A lovely patina gives the entire vessel an iridescent quality, alternating a variety of shades in striking contrasts. Since casting bronze was a difficult and expensive process, much of the bronze objects (apart from weaponry) were made as ritual vessels for ancestor worship used by the ruling elite. Later, they also served as containers for wine for food; symbolizing not only wealth, but also political power. Patronage of the ruling classes gave work to expert artisans, resulting in splendid creations such as this tripod vessel. - (PF.4769)   « Less

This long-necked bronze hu is notable for its elegant simplicity. Such a vessel would have functioned as a container of sumptuous wines. This refined hu is essentially  More »

This long-necked bronze hu is notable for its elegant simplicity. Such a vessel would have functioned as a container of sumptuous wines. This refined hu is essentially unadorned, save for a protruding ring along the neck of the vessel. However, this ring is more functional than decorative, serving as a grip to lift the vessel and pour out its precious contents. Most notable is the distinctive garlic-shaped mouth. Originally, a lid would have capped this hu; however, it has long since vanished. Over the ages, the bronze has acquired a fabulous patina of alternating green and burgundy hues, adding both delightful colors and pleasing textures to this otherwise sparsely adorned vessel. Such a work, forged from bronze, would have been the treasured possession of an elite member of the Han Dynasty social hierarchy. Quite simply, only a court nobility of wealthy merchants could afford such a luxury. Although this vessel would have functioned as a wine container in life, it was found discovered buried in a tomb. A symbol for the bountiful pleasures of life, for drinking and feasting, this hu would have represented the joys to be experienced in the afterlife and the feasts and celebrations yet to come. Today, this vessel is not only a gorgeous work of art, treasured for its history and rarity; but also a stunning reminder of the richness and luxury of the Han Dynasty, both in this world and the next. - (H.692)   « Less

This square-shaped bronze fang hu is notable for its elegant simplicity. Such a vessel would have functioned as a ritual container for the storage and transportation of  More »

This square-shaped bronze fang hu is notable for its elegant simplicity. Such a vessel would have functioned as a ritual container for the storage and transportation of sumptuous wines. This refined fang hu is essentially unadorned, featuring only two small handles that decorate the sides. Over the ages, the bronze has acquired a fabulous patina of alternating turquoise and brown hues, adding both delightful colors and pleasing textures to this otherwise sparsely adorned vessel. Such a work, forged from bronze, would have been the treasured possession of an elite member of the social hierarchy. Quite simply, only court nobility or wealthy merchants could afford such a luxury. Although this vessel would have functioned as a wine container in life, it was found discovered buried in a tomb. A symbol for the bountiful pleasures of life, for drinking and feasting, this hu would have represented the joys to be experienced in the afterlife and the feasts and celebrations yet to come. Today, this vessel is not only a gorgeous work of art, treasured for its history and rarity; but also a stunning reminder of the richness and luxury of the Han Dynasty, both in this world and the next. - (PF.5490)   « Less

Vessel with the Masked Head of a God and Serpent Feet - PF.0569, Origin: Oaxaca, Mexico, Circa: 300 AD to 600 AD, Dimensions: 5" (12.7cm) high x 3" (7.6cm) wide, Collection:  More »

Vessel with the Masked Head of a God and Serpent Feet - PF.0569, Origin: Oaxaca, Mexico, Circa: 300 AD to 600 AD, Dimensions: 5" (12.7cm) high x 3" (7.6cm) wide, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Pre-Columbian, Medium: Terracotta. Three ferocious snakes form the legs of this tripod vessel and guard the ornately-helmeted deity, who is associated with royal lineage and succession. Although designed to function as a drinking cup, the vessel also has a ceremonial rattle inside. Perhaps this is a souvenir from some ancient coronation rite. It is certainly more powerful and intriguing than the teacups we collect today on such occasions.   « Less

Sculpture of an Eagle Dancer - PF.0758, Origin: Eastern Mexico, Circa: 600 AD to 900 AD, Dimensions: 7" (17.8cm) high, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Medium: Terracotta. Since  More »

Sculpture of an Eagle Dancer - PF.0758, Origin: Eastern Mexico, Circa: 600 AD to 900 AD, Dimensions: 7" (17.8cm) high, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Medium: Terracotta. Since the dawn of time, man has yearned to fly, to soar with the birds. This magnificent image of a ceremonial dancer seems to sum up that desire. Dressed as a fierce eagle, he stands with arms spread, as if ready to leap from a precipice and sail out among the eagle's soaring grace. The flight is only in our imaginations.   « Less

Terracotta Roller Seal - PF.1905, Origin: Mexico, Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD, Dimensions: 2" (5.1cm) high x 1.5" (3.8cm) wide, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Pre-Columbian,  More »

Terracotta Roller Seal - PF.1905, Origin: Mexico, Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD, Dimensions: 2" (5.1cm) high x 1.5" (3.8cm) wide, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Pre-Columbian, Medium: Terracotta. Sometimes a small artifact, part of daily life, held and used by vanished hands, puts us in intimate touch with the world that created it. Roller seals were used throughout a large part of Ancient America to create patterned body paint or to decorate cloth. Dipped in pigment, these seals were rolled over the surface to form a repeated design. This charming little example depicts an abstract monkey with a curved tail, surrounded by geometric patterns. As we gaze upon its elegant simplicity, we share our pleasure with those whose life it ornamented centuries ago.   « Less

Terracotta Roller Seal - PF.1910, Origin: Mexico, Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD, Dimensions: 7.25" (18.4cm) high, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Pre-Columbian, Medium:  More »

Terracotta Roller Seal - PF.1910, Origin: Mexico, Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD, Dimensions: 7.25" (18.4cm) high, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Pre-Columbian, Medium: Terracotta. Roller seals were used by cultures in a wide area of the Ancient Americas, from Mexico to Ecuador. Incised with bold patterns, these seals were dipped in pigment and then rolled over a surface, sometimes cloth, sometimes the human body, to create a continuous repeated pattern. This large and splendid example is adorned with abstract floral designs and may have been used for decoraing clothing. An object from daily life, touched and used by vanished hands, it reminds us that the love of ornament is as old as civilization itself.   « Less

Western Mexican Sculpture of a Seated Man - PF.1924, Origin: Western Mexico, Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD, Dimensions: 11.625" (29.5cm) high, Catalogue: V2, Collection:  More »

Western Mexican Sculpture of a Seated Man - PF.1924, Origin: Western Mexico, Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD, Dimensions: 11.625" (29.5cm) high, Catalogue: V2, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Western Mexican, Medium: Terracotta. This powerful figure presses his hand to his heart, as if making a pledge of loyalty of devotion. His prominent jewelry identifies him as an individual of rank. Centuries ago, he was buried in an ancient tomb to keep eternal vigil with the deceased. We cannot be certain if he represents the dead chieftain whose tomb it was, or a living dignitary who was paying his respects. Though the figure is rendered with bold abstraction, the energy it projects is genuinely human. Such a figure puts us in touch with the essential emotions that unite all cultures across time.   « Less