BOULDER, COLO.- Artemis Fine Arts will launch its final major sale of the year on December 12, 2025, at 9:00 AM (GMT-6), presenting an exceptionally curated selection of
Asian, Ancient, Ethnographic, and Fine Art sourced from respected private collections and cultural institutions. Known for its rigorous ethical acquisition standards and in-house international shipping, the top-rated auction house unveils several standout lots spanning Oceania, Southeast Asia, the Near East, Rome, and Egypt.
The sale includes rare ceremonial jade, monumental architectural stonework, royal Assyrian bronzes, refined Roman marble sculpture, and a deeply devotional Egyptian block statue—pieces that reflect the diverse and enduring legacy of world civilizations.
Fine Maori Nephrite Jade Mere Pounamu Hand Club. Estimate $36,000-$54,000.
Maori Nephrite Mere Pounamu Leads Oceania Highlights
Among the most striking works offered is an exquisitely carved Maori nephrite jade mere pounamu, a highly venerated form of patu traditionally associated with the authority and mana of tribal leadership. Distinguished by its deep, mottled green surface and elegant teardrop form, the finely polished hand club exhibits impressive translucency and ceremonial refinement.
Dating to the 20th century, this 8.25-inch example represents the continuation of a prestigious lineage: mere pounamu were historically reserved for high-ranking individuals and revered as treasured heirlooms. This piece carries provenance from the Ralph T. Coe Center for the Arts in Santa Fe and is estimated at $36,000–$54,000.
Large Cambodian Stone Lintel - Vishnu on Garuda. Estimate $18,000-$27,000
Monumental Cambodian Lintel Celebrates Classical Angkorian Style
A commanding highlight from Southeast Asia is a large Cambodian sandstone lintel carved in the style of the Preah Ko period. Measuring nearly six feet across, the relief recreates a celebrated motif: Vishnu riding atop the celestial bird Garuda, framed by undulating naga serpents and divine attendants.
Modeled in the 20th century after a revered original from Prasat Kok Po A—today housed at the Musée Guimet in Paris—the work reflects the dynamic visual language of early Angkorian art, with deeply undercut floral scrolls and mythological figures that convey both motion and spiritual gravitas. Estimated at $18,000–$27,000, the lintel’s scale and craftsmanship position it among the auction’s most architecturally impressive lots.
Important Neo-Assyria Bronze Quiver Cover. Estimate $18,000-$27,000.
Rare Neo-Assyrian Bronze Quiver Cover Illustrates Royal Power
A particularly important Near Eastern offering is an exceptionally rare Neo-Assyrian bronze quiver cover dating to the 9th century BCE. The rectangular panel presents two mirrored battle scenes: a warrior locked in fierce combat with lions—an enduring imperial motif symbolizing the king’s dominion over chaos.
The quiver’s repoussé and incised decoration, framed by lotus motifs and rivet holes from its original leather backing, points to elite martial use, likely within a royal court at Nimrud or Nineveh. With a deep, olive-brown patina and crisp figural detail, the piece carries an estimate of $18,000–$27,000.
Fine Roman Marble Herm Portrait of Apollo. Estimate $18,000-$27,000.
Roman Marble Herm Portrait of Apollo Demonstrates Classical Elegance
From the classical Mediterranean world comes a refined Roman marble herm portrait of Apollo, dating to the 1st–2nd century CE. Carved in the round, the youthful god is portrayed with cascading locks, a serene expression, and the characteristic fillet symbolizing his divine patronage over music and prophecy.
Reflecting the Roman taste for Neo-Attic revival sculpture, the herm blends Greek idealism with subtle veristic modeling. Previously published in two volumes of Art of the Ancient World by Royal Athena Galleries, the work is expected to achieve $18,000–$27,000.
Egyptian Sandstone Block Statue w/ Osiris, Djed, & Ankh. Estimate $18,000-$30,000.
Egyptian Block Statue Evokes Devotion and Eternal Life
Rounding out the top lots is a Late Period to Early Ptolemaic sandstone block statue, carved between 664 and 250 BCE. The kneeling figure holds the ankh, symbol of life, and the djed pillar, symbol of stability, while a small shrine on the front contains a mummiform deity—likely Osiris—flanked by traces of hieroglyphic invocations.
Carved with spiritual restraint and geometric clarity, block statues served as eternal intermediaries between the donor and the gods within temple precincts. With warm coloration and well-preserved detail, the work is offered with an estimate of $18,000–$30,000.
The house provides expert in-house packing and worldwide shipping, with exceptions for Germany, Switzerland, and Australia due to customs restrictions. Additional limitations apply to repatriation of ancient goods to their countries of origin.
Sale Details
Auction: Fine Asian, Ancient, Ethno & Fine Art
Date: December 12, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM (GMT-6)
Location: Louisville, Colorado, USA
Auction House: Artemis Fine Arts
