Lot 7549

Description

The elongated body of a mythical creature (possibly a reptile?) with four short legs, each with four claws, and a spiky tail, bearing a second head, similar to the first, in the correct anatomical position. The body embellished with a band of wire spirals in the middle on both sides. A band of filigree wires on the animal's back. The heads of similar design, decorated on the top with four rows of tiny, double wire rings. The lateral facial planes and the mouths edged in filigree. The mouths revealing bared rectangular teeth, each delineated and separated by notches. A globule centred directly behind the corners of the mouth, representing the eye. Above the mouth, a domed snout featuring five filigree bands, the outer rings of which each enclosing a globule. An elongated, rectangular perforation on the lower side of the abdomen, a smaller hole on the underside of the tail. Incrustations on the surface. Intact. Elaborately crafted, pre-Columbian animal figure. Length 11.5 cm. Weight 62 g. The various components of the gold alloy (tumbaga), based on an X-ray fluorescence analysis: gold circa 38.5 %. Silver circa 27 %. Copper circa 34 %.
Provenance: From the collection of a South German artist, acquired in the art trade during the 1960s.Condition: II - Questions about the lot?