BOULDER, COLO.- On October 17, 2025, at 8:00 AM (GMT-6), Artemis Fine Arts will open the virtual and in-person doors of its Boulder, Colorado auction house to present Worldly Treasures | Ancient, Ethno, Fine Art — a global celebration of humanity’s creative legacy. The event brings together Pre-Columbian, Native American, Asian, and Mediterranean artifacts, alongside rare fossils and fine art, each piece selected not just for its aesthetic merit, but for the historical stories it carries.

Every lot in this sale has been legally acquired and fully authenticated, a detail that underscores Artemis Fine Arts’ commitment to ethical collecting and responsible stewardship of cultural heritage. From ancient goldsmiths of Greece to the sculptors of imperial China, the auction invites collectors to own a tangible link to civilizations long past — with the reassurance of in-house shipping and guaranteed satisfaction.

The Grace of Enlightenment: A 17th-Century Chinese Amitabha Buddha


Large 17th C. Chinese Wood Amitabha Buddha on Lotus. Estimate $14,000-$22,500.

One of the sale’s highlights is a large 17th-century Amitabha Buddha sculpture from Hebei Province, China, created during the late Ming to early Qing dynasty. Standing nearly four feet tall, the serene figure of Amitabha rises on a double lotus pedestal, the right hand extended in the Varada Mudra, symbolizing generosity and compassion.

Painted in soft reds and gold tones, the sculpture radiates quiet majesty. The fine detailing of the snail-shell curls and draped robes reveals the high artistry of Buddhist woodcarving in northern China, when Pure Land Buddhism flourished as both a devotional practice and artistic inspiration. Estimated at $14,000–$22,500, the piece represents not only craftsmanship but a centuries-old vision of spiritual transcendence.

From a Lost World: Fossil Fish from the Eocene Epoch


Large Multi-Species Fossil Fish Slab From Green River. Estimate $8,500-$12,500.

Crossing millions of years in a single glance, another showstopper comes from the Green River Formation in Wyoming — a multi-species fossil slab dating back 53.5 to 48.5 million years. Within its stone surface swim Diplomystus, Mioplosus, Knightia, and Priscacara serrata — an entire prehistoric ecosystem captured in exquisite natural detail.

The slab, professionally mounted for display, tells the story of an Earth without ice caps, when subtropical lakes covered the region that is now semi-arid Wyoming. Priced between $8,500 and $12,500, it’s both scientific record and visual poetry — a reminder that art and nature have always shared the same impulse to preserve beauty.

Spirit and Humanity: The Colima Redware Dwarf Vessel


Colima Redware Seated Male Dwarf. Estimate $7,000-$10,500.

From the west coast of ancient Mexico comes a striking Colima redware figure of a seated dwarf, dating from 300 BCE to 300 CE. The piece is remarkable not only for its deep red hue and sculptural refinement but also for its cultural symbolism. In Pre-Columbian societies, physical differences were often seen as divine gifts, marking individuals as spiritually chosen.

This vessel, estimated at $7,000–$10,500, embodies that worldview — a convergence of form, faith, and social reverence. With its smooth finish and expressive face, it stands as a tribute to the West Mexican tradition of celebrating humanity in all its diversity.

Golden Mastery: A Hellenistic Bracelet of Lions and Myths


Greek Hellenistic Gold Bracelet w/ Granulation. Estimate $6,000-$9,000.

Few materials evoke the ancient world’s splendor like gold, and Artemis Fine Arts offers a breathtaking Greek Hellenistic bracelet from the 3rd–1st century BCE. Crafted in 22-karat gold, its surface is alive with granulated depictions of lions, warriors, and sacred trees — motifs that once adorned the wrists of nobility or ceremonial priests.

Estimated at $6,000–$9,000, the bracelet represents both technical mastery and mythic symbolism. The lion, a constant emblem of strength and divine guardianship, appears here as an eternal reminder of the Hellenistic ideal — beauty intertwined with power.

Elegance in Bloom: A Japanese Silver Vase


Japanese Silver Vase of Blossoming Peonies & Cherry. Estimate $5,000-$7,500.

Bridging ancient art with modern refinement, the auction concludes with a luminous Japanese sterling silver vase from the early to mid-20th century. Crafted during the Meiji to Showa period, the vase features repoussé peonies and cherry blossoms bursting from its polished surface. The applied chrysanthemum medallion, symbol of the imperial family, completes the regal design.

Weighing over two kilograms of silver and tested between 97–99% purity, this exquisite work carries an estimate of $5,000–$7,500. Its delicate realism and technical precision showcase Japan’s artistry at the intersection of tradition and modernity.