Artemio Poma Gutierrez (Peruvian, b. 1973) Monumental Quinua Ceremonial Bull Master Hand-Built Ceramic Sculpture from Ayacucho, Peru
This extraordinary monumental ceremonial bull by celebrated Peruvian master ceramic artist Artemio Poma Gutierrez represents one of the finest expressions of the renowned Quinua ceramic tradition. Entirely hand-built, sculpted, burnished, and individually painted by the artist, the sculpture elevates one of the Andes' most iconic symbols into a museum-quality masterpiece of contemporary folk art. Monumental in scale and exceptionally refined in execution, the work immediately commands attention through its powerful silhouette, harmonious proportions, and breathtaking decorative sophistication.
The entire surface of the sculpture is enriched with exquisitely hand-painted floral compositions inspired by the natural beauty of the Andean landscape. Elegant blossoms, flowing vines, stylized leaves, botanical scrolls, and finely balanced ornamental motifs unfold gracefully across the body, creating an extraordinary decorative rhythm that accentuates every sculptural contour. Executed in warm terracotta, soft ochre, and creamy ivory tones over beautifully burnished clay, the restrained palette reveals remarkable elegance while highlighting the exceptional precision of the artist's hand-painted workmanship.
Within the artistic traditions of Quinua, the ceremonial bull symbolizes prosperity, abundance, protection, strength, and good fortune. Artemio Poma transforms this enduring cultural emblem into an imposing sculptural composition distinguished by remarkable artistic refinement. The expressive horns, alert eyes, elegantly modeled mane, and richly ornamented chest create a powerful visual presence, while the carefully balanced decorative painting conveys a sense of harmony, dignity, and timeless beauty.
Entirely handcrafted without molds, every stage of the creative process-from modeling and carving to burnishing, painting, and firing-has been completed individually by the artist using ancestral techniques preserved through generations of Quinua master ceramists. Each floral composition is painted freehand, making every sculpture completely unique. Monumental works of this scale require extensive planning, numerous firing stages, and many weeks of meticulous craftsmanship before reaching their final form, reflecting the extraordinary dedication invested in every detail.
His monumental ceremonial bulls are considered among the most desirable works within contemporary Peruvian ceramics and are increasingly sought after by museums, distinguished collectors, and institutions devoted to preserving the finest examples of Latin American folk art.
Works by the artist have previously been presented through auctions organized by the Museo de Arte de Lima (MALI).
ARTIST
Artemio Poma Gutierrez (born 1973) is internationally recognized as one of Peru's foremost contemporary ceramic artists and one of the leading masters of the celebrated Quinua ceramic tradition of Ayacucho. His sculptures are admired for their refined sculptural forms, extraordinary hand-painted decoration, and exceptional technical mastery, qualities that have established him among the country's most respected living ceramic artists.
His ceramics are represented in distinguished private collections and are recognized for their originality, artistic excellence, and faithful preservation of Peru's rich ceramic heritage.
PROVENANCE
Acquired directly from the artist for Gallery Arts & Auctions Co.
AUTHENTICITY
This sculpture is an entirely original creation by Artemio Poma Gutierrez.
Entirely hand-built, hand-painted, burnished, and individually finished by the artist, this monumental ceremonial bull is a unique, one-of-a-kind work. A Certificate of Authenticity issued by the artist may be provided upon request, when available.
DIMENSIONS
Height: 34 in.
Length: 32 in.
COLLECTION NOTE
Carefully selected directly from the artist by Gallery Arts & Auctions Co. as part of its commitment to presenting museum-quality Peruvian folk art. This monumental ceremonial bull represents one of Artemio Poma Gutierrez's signature sculptural achievements, combining exceptional scale, refined artistic vision, and extraordinary decorative execution. Monumental ceremonial bulls of this caliber are produced only in limited numbers due to the extensive hand craftsmanship required, making them outstanding acquisitions for advanced private collections, museums, and major institutional holdings.
Condition
Excellent original condition. The sculpture retains its beautifully preserved burnished ceramic surface, exceptionally crisp sculptural modeling, and remarkably refined hand-painted floral decoration throughout. The monumental horns, expressive facial features, richly ornamented mane, saddle, and botanical motifs remain exceptionally well preserved, showcasing the extraordinary craftsmanship characteristic of Artemio Poma Gutierrez's finest monumental works. An outstanding exhibition-quality ceramic masterpiece of commanding presence, ideally suited for important private collections, galleries, or museum acquisition.
Estimate
Reserve
Time, Location
Auction House
This extraordinary monumental ceremonial bull by celebrated Peruvian master ceramic artist Artemio Poma Gutierrez represents one of the finest expressions of the renowned Quinua ceramic tradition. Entirely hand-built, sculpted, burnished, and individually painted by the artist, the sculpture elevates one of the Andes' most iconic symbols into a museum-quality masterpiece of contemporary folk art. Monumental in scale and exceptionally refined in execution, the work immediately commands attention through its powerful silhouette, harmonious proportions, and breathtaking decorative sophistication.
The entire surface of the sculpture is enriched with exquisitely hand-painted floral compositions inspired by the natural beauty of the Andean landscape. Elegant blossoms, flowing vines, stylized leaves, botanical scrolls, and finely balanced ornamental motifs unfold gracefully across the body, creating an extraordinary decorative rhythm that accentuates every sculptural contour. Executed in warm terracotta, soft ochre, and creamy ivory tones over beautifully burnished clay, the restrained palette reveals remarkable elegance while highlighting the exceptional precision of the artist's hand-painted workmanship.
Within the artistic traditions of Quinua, the ceremonial bull symbolizes prosperity, abundance, protection, strength, and good fortune. Artemio Poma transforms this enduring cultural emblem into an imposing sculptural composition distinguished by remarkable artistic refinement. The expressive horns, alert eyes, elegantly modeled mane, and richly ornamented chest create a powerful visual presence, while the carefully balanced decorative painting conveys a sense of harmony, dignity, and timeless beauty.
Entirely handcrafted without molds, every stage of the creative process-from modeling and carving to burnishing, painting, and firing-has been completed individually by the artist using ancestral techniques preserved through generations of Quinua master ceramists. Each floral composition is painted freehand, making every sculpture completely unique. Monumental works of this scale require extensive planning, numerous firing stages, and many weeks of meticulous craftsmanship before reaching their final form, reflecting the extraordinary dedication invested in every detail.
His monumental ceremonial bulls are considered among the most desirable works within contemporary Peruvian ceramics and are increasingly sought after by museums, distinguished collectors, and institutions devoted to preserving the finest examples of Latin American folk art.
Works by the artist have previously been presented through auctions organized by the Museo de Arte de Lima (MALI).
ARTIST
Artemio Poma Gutierrez (born 1973) is internationally recognized as one of Peru's foremost contemporary ceramic artists and one of the leading masters of the celebrated Quinua ceramic tradition of Ayacucho. His sculptures are admired for their refined sculptural forms, extraordinary hand-painted decoration, and exceptional technical mastery, qualities that have established him among the country's most respected living ceramic artists.
His ceramics are represented in distinguished private collections and are recognized for their originality, artistic excellence, and faithful preservation of Peru's rich ceramic heritage.
PROVENANCE
Acquired directly from the artist for Gallery Arts & Auctions Co.
AUTHENTICITY
This sculpture is an entirely original creation by Artemio Poma Gutierrez.
Entirely hand-built, hand-painted, burnished, and individually finished by the artist, this monumental ceremonial bull is a unique, one-of-a-kind work. A Certificate of Authenticity issued by the artist may be provided upon request, when available.
DIMENSIONS
Height: 34 in.
Length: 32 in.
COLLECTION NOTE
Carefully selected directly from the artist by Gallery Arts & Auctions Co. as part of its commitment to presenting museum-quality Peruvian folk art. This monumental ceremonial bull represents one of Artemio Poma Gutierrez's signature sculptural achievements, combining exceptional scale, refined artistic vision, and extraordinary decorative execution. Monumental ceremonial bulls of this caliber are produced only in limited numbers due to the extensive hand craftsmanship required, making them outstanding acquisitions for advanced private collections, museums, and major institutional holdings.
Condition
Excellent original condition. The sculpture retains its beautifully preserved burnished ceramic surface, exceptionally crisp sculptural modeling, and remarkably refined hand-painted floral decoration throughout. The monumental horns, expressive facial features, richly ornamented mane, saddle, and botanical motifs remain exceptionally well preserved, showcasing the extraordinary craftsmanship characteristic of Artemio Poma Gutierrez's finest monumental works. An outstanding exhibition-quality ceramic masterpiece of commanding presence, ideally suited for important private collections, galleries, or museum acquisition.
Estimate
Reserve
Time, Location
Auction House
