BOULDER, COLO.- To unlock the secrets of any ancient culture, scholars often begin with a study of the ethnographic art of the period – the gods and goddesses, mythical beasts and symbolism central to the architecture and sculptures left behind for the ages. In terms of fantasy and mystical expression, few early cultures rival India, whose artists were divinely inspired in their depictions of deities. Several of the finest examples of Indian ethnographic art to appear in the auction marketplace in recent times are offered as special highlights in Artemis Gallery’s June 22 auction.

The 439-lot sale also includes a diverse selection of classical antiquities from Egypt, Greece, Italy, the Near and Far East; as well as Pre-Columbian, African/tribal, Oceanic and Viking art and relics. As is the case with each and every Artemis Gallery auction, every piece offered is unconditionally guaranteed to be authentic, as described, and legal to purchase according to federal guidelines. A certificate of authenticity will accompany each item sold.

The Indian section is led by Lot 82B, an extraordinary circa 4th-7th century CE marble statue of Vishnu. The sculpture depicts the second god of the Hindu triumvirate with a chakra in one hand, a conch-shell trumpet in the other, and avatars of a lion and boar flanking his head. An especially fine and beautiful work of art, the 22-inch statue is estimated at $40,000-$60,000.

Lot 71C is a large and wonderfully decorated sandstone lintel from India’s Mogul Period, circa 15th to 17th centuries CE. Carved with a rich array of floral patterns and a sweeping arch above four tropical birds, this superb architectural element most likely would have graced the palace of a very wealthy maharajah. Estimate: $12,500-$15,000.

Bidders in any Artemis Gallery sale know they will find a path that leads to treasures of Ancient Egypt. Among the Egyptian entries in the June 22nd sale are Lot 3A, a fascinating New Kingdom stone sarcophagus section depicting approximately one-fourth of a realistically detailed portrait head, $6,000-$9,000; and Lot 1A, a rare, conical diorite offering vessel, ex Sotheby’s and Lausanne, Switzerland private collection, $1,800-$2,700.

An Etruscan bronze depicting a nude athlete, circa 3rd century BCE exhibits powerful musculature and an artistic style inspired by Greek art. It stands 5.8 inches high and has an attractive olive-green patina. Provenance includes its prior sale at Christie’s New York in December 2000, and before that, a Japanese private collection. It is expected to realize $12,000-$18,000 at auction.

Pre-Columbian potters excelled in their ability to capture form and whimsy in each of their figural designs. Several outstanding examples in the sale include Lot 128, a circa 200 CE Moche (northern coastal Peru) effigy stirrup vessel in the form of a fish, $1,600-$2,000; and Lot 116D, an impressive 20-inch-tall three-dimensional figure of a woman holding a bowl. Imaginatively detailed with a snake-form head adornment, elaborate earrings, a nose ring and other jewelry, the figure is from Nayarit (West Mexico) and dates of 300 BCE to 300CE. Estimate: $5,000-$7,000.

From the tribal art section, Lot 181A is an eye-catcher. The superb African Yoruba hand-carved wood bust of a male is garbed with a heavily beaded cloak of multiple colors and patterns. Its pre-sale estimate is $900-$1,500.

An interesting selection of Scottish and English historical documents is featured in the June 22nd event. Lot 189A, a double-sealed Scottish land deed dated 1528 will be auctioned with a $1,400-$2,100 estimate. Lot 190D, a voluminously annotated Scottish vellum sasine (title) is dated 1610 and also has two large, intact seals. Estimate: $1,500-$2,000.

Bidders may participate in Artemis Gallery’s Wednesday, June 22, 2016 auction live online, by phone (please reserve phone line in advance) or by leaving an absentee bid that will be lodged confidentially and competitively on their behalf. The sale will begin at 11 a.m. Eastern Time and will be conducted simultaneously on three bidding platforms: ArtemisGalleryLIVE.com, LiveAuctioneers.com and Invaluable.com. For additional information call Teresa Dodge at 720-890-7700 or email teresa@artemisgallery.com. Visit Artemis Gallery online at www.artemisgallery.com.