Māori, New Zealand
18th century
Pounamu (nephrite jade)
Length: 2 1/2 in. (6.4 cm)
Provenance: London trade
Pounamu ear pendants were worn by men and women of rank in Māori society, suspended through a piercing in the ear lobe and valued both for the material itself and for the prestige associated with its ownership. Pounamu was the most highly regarded stone in Māori culture, obtained from the South Island and distributed through exchange networks across the archipelago. This example dates to the eighteenth century and entered the market through the London trade.
The pendant is ground in an elongated oval koru form, tapering to a point at the lower end and pierced at the top for suspension, the surface polished to an even finish. The pounamu is a translucent green variety with a clarity and depth of color consistent with high-quality South Island material. The piece is mounted on a custom ebonized display stand.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
Māori, New Zealand
18th century
Pounamu (nephrite jade)
Length: 2 1/2 in. (6.4 cm)
Provenance: London trade
Pounamu ear pendants were worn by men and women of rank in Māori society, suspended through a piercing in the ear lobe and valued both for the material itself and for the prestige associated with its ownership. Pounamu was the most highly regarded stone in Māori culture, obtained from the South Island and distributed through exchange networks across the archipelago. This example dates to the eighteenth century and entered the market through the London trade.
The pendant is ground in an elongated oval koru form, tapering to a point at the lower end and pierced at the top for suspension, the surface polished to an even finish. The pounamu is a translucent green variety with a clarity and depth of color consistent with high-quality South Island material. The piece is mounted on a custom ebonized display stand.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
