VERAGUAS GOLD AVIAN PENDANT CIRCA AD 800-1200

Andre Emmerich, New York

Hans Rudolf Koella, Zurich, acquired from the above in 1978

Sotheby's, New York, May 16, 2014, lot 215

Acquired at the above auction

PUBLISHED

Roland Burri, DU, "Die Stiftung Alt.mes rikanische Kulturen in Zurich", 1985, Fig. 22

Die Siftung Alt.mes rikanische Kulturen, private museum of Hans Koella, Zurich, 1982-2002

The avian pendants of the Isthmus region were cast to highlight the broad wingspan of the magnificent birds of the rainforest. Here the graceful curving wings contrast with the flat tail feathers, and the talons are deeply clenched as if about to land.

Hans Rudolf Koella (1925-2012), was a prominent Swiss collects or of modern paintings who became fascinated with Pre-Columbian gold in the 1960's, acquiring many works from the Andre Emmerich Gallery. Mr. Koella created a private museum and research library featuring his collects ion of ceramics, textiles and gold, which he opened to the public.