Mesoamerican Olmec Jadeite Kneeling Figure

Pre-Classical Period, 1200-200 BC. A carved jadeite figure of a nude male in crouching pose with hands resting on the thighs, a braised cord around the neck, deeply incised eyes, mouth, nostrils and ear-piercings. Cf. Smith, B., Mexico. A History in Art, Mexico, 1979, p.50, for type. 611 grams, 14cm (5 1/2"). Property of an Italian collector living in Torino; part of her family's collection since 1965; by descent from her grandmother in 1993; accompanied by a copy of the Italian export permit and an academic report by Emilio J. Bejarano Erosa (Director of the Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia, Mexico, 1968-1982); also accompanied by a scholarly note TL 5294 by Dr Ronald Bonewitz. [A video of this lot is available on TimeLine Auctions website]
Condition Report: Fine condition, repaired. Rare.