拍品 63
  • 63

PENDENTIF EN JADE DU DIEU MAÏSCULTURE MAYACLASSIQUE RÉCENT, 550-950 AP. J.-C. |

估價
25,000 - 35,000 EUR
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描述

  • haut. 4 cm ; 1 1/2 in

來源

Collection privée, Paris, acquis en 1980
Christie's, New York, 12 novembre 2004, n° 44
Importante Collection privée française

Condition

Excellent condition overall. Wear consistent with age and use within the culture.
"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."

拍品資料及來源

L’intense et brillant vert pomme met superbement en valeur le raffinement et la délicatesse de ce pendentif illustrant la tête du jeune Dieu du maïs. Ce chef-d’œuvre miniature, voué au culte de cette divinité, témoigne de l’importance du maïs dans la culture maya ; son cycle saisonnier était considéré comme l’allégorie de la vie humaine.   La pousse de maïs jaillit de la tête du jeune seigneur, l’artiste ayant accordé la même importance aux deux éléments, de proportions similaires.  Le visage présente des traits caractéristiquement mayas : long nez aquilin, grands yeux en amande et petite bouche pincée. Les épaisses mèches de cheveux ondulent délicatement autour du visage, telle la traine soyeuse du maïs. L’enveloppe sommitale protège l’épi interne orné de deux grains en haut relief suggérant les semences des récoltes à venir. Le pendentif est percé latéralement de trous de suspension.

Les ornements en jade étaient réservés à l’élite maya, en particularité à la royauté, car nul autre élément naturel ne pouvait mieux affirmer leur légitimité et leur sacralité. Parmi les précieuses offrandes funéraires du souverain de Palenque K’inich Janaab Pakal I fut découvert un imposant masque en mosaïque de jade lui couvrant le visage. Il était ainsi paré pour son ultime apothéose et sa transfiguration en Dieu du maïs (Pillsbury, Potts et Richter, Golden Kingdoms, 2017, p. 76, fig. 76).

The saturated, brilliant color of apple green jade was an ideal selection for the extremely refined and delicate pendant of the head of young Maize God.  It is a small masterpiece designed to revere the Maize god whose season growth was considered a mirror to the human life cycle.

The pendant is carved with the growing ear of maize sprouting directly from the head of the lord, with equal dimension and importance afforded to both the face and the maize ear. The face shows the classic Maya aquiline nose, downcast almond-shaped eyes, and firmly set mouth. The thick strands of hair arch gently around the face as if they were corn silk trailing downward. The tapering sheath above protects the inner maize ear which is carved with two raised kernels suggestive of additional seeds for future propagation. It is pierced laterally through the center for suspension.

Jade ornaments were worn by the elite and particularly royalty as no other natural substance could affirm their legitimacy and sacred power as well as jade. The great ruler of Palenque, K’inich Janaab Pakal I, was covered by a mosaic jade face mask among his elaborate tomb offerings. He was prepared for his final apotheosis and becomes the Maize god (Pillsbury, Potts and Richter, Golden Kingdoms, 2017, p. 76, fig. 76).