- 188
Large AZTEC STONE altar, ca. A.D. 1450-1521
Estimate
10,000 - 15,000 USD
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Description
- stone
- Diameter: 16 in (40.6cm), height: 7 1/2 in (19cm)
the cuauhxicalli carved with emblems of the '4 ollin' glyph on each side represented on a cloth or shield secured with cord interwoven through the top, the knotted ties extending below, with four sets of four dots flanking each of the cords.
Provenance
Pierre Matisse Gallery, New York
Condition
Fine, very nice carving, no repairs.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
The unusual symmetrically opposed carved and sunk relief of the ollin symbols is a distinct feature of this ceremonial altar. The glyph ollin refers to movement, best known from the Aztec calendar stone. Cf. the cuauhxicalli in the Philadelphia Museum of Art -formerly the Arensberg Collection, (Townsend 1992: 195, fig. 14).