Hello Scott, Thank you for choosing Mearto with your online appraisal and I deeply apologize for the long delay on your appraisal. This Jade ceremony vessel, Classic Maya (ca. AD 250-900). Vessels are some of the most important objects shown in royal portraits and found in royal burials. Analysis of the similar objects classified it as the hard mineral omphacitic jadeitite (composed of the elements silicon, aluminum, calcium, iron, and magnesium). The sculptor subtly created a fleshiness out of the jade by slightly bowing out the vertical lines that connotes a constriction by the horizontal bands lined with a ridge. Classic period artists portrayed the ritual vessels not as a stone object, but as an animate participant in the rituals depicted. No documents or proof of origins. International law is very strict when it comes to archaeological material. Good condition. 400 - 500 $
