Pendentif en néphrite, Maori, Nouvelle-Zélande

Collection Frederick Strange, Royaume Uni/Australie
Collection Captain W. Campbell Thomson, Écosse/Australie
Collection James Robert Tyrell (1875-1961), Tyrell's Museum, Sydney, Australie
Herman Strongfeld, Berlin
Transmis par descendance familiale à Diane Bucher, Hamburg
Collection privée

Very good condition overall. Wear consistent with age and use within the culture: a few small chips to the edges as a result of long use. Old and very worn suspension hole. Richly toned dark green nephrite.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Le naturaliste Frederick Strange (1826-1854) acquit ce très beau pendentif en néphrite hei tiki lors d'une escale du navire H.M.S. Acheron à Auckland, en 1849. Il fut acheté auprès de ses descendants par le Capitaine William Campbell Thompson (1851-1934), collectionneur renommé de livres et d'objets d'art.

Il se distingue en premier lieu par la qualité remarquable de sa sculpture. A la très belle ampleur du corps répond la tension des courbes et des contre-courbes, s'épanouissant dans l'équilibre parfait des ajoures et des motifs curvilignes signifiant les côtes et les doigts, et dans la superbe finesse des modelés. La qualité de la néphrite, aux bords translucides, est mise en valeur par les nuances irisées de la coquille d'haliotis (paua, nacre) au bord rayonnant, encerclant les yeux.

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