Moche III Pottery Portrait Vessel Proud Warrior
Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Moche III, ca. 200 to 400 CE. An exemplary portrait vessel depicting the head of a proud warrior or person of import with bold yet remarkably lifelike facial features and a large stirrup rising above his head. Among the more impressive examples we have seen, the vessel is skillfully modeled and slip painted in a bichrome color scheme of red and cream hues. The artist clearly strove for naturalism and this portrait captures not only the subject's physiognomy but also his proud aristocratic character. This is a portrait of a specific individual with distinct features: an aquiline nose, a closed but gently smiling mouth, thick-lidded almond-shaped eyes that look steadfastly ahead, a jutting chin, and pronounced ears - all topped by a helmet that suggests he represents a noble warrior or a member of the elite. Size: 5.625" W x 10.5" H (14.3 cm x 26.7 cm)
The Moche were perhaps the only ancient culture in the Americas to produce such vessels. The sculptor's intent was to present a very realistic depiction, and interestingly, scholars have been able to follow the progression of age and rank of several of individuals portrayed in pottery. One particular face for example, easily identified because of his cut lip, appears in more than forty Moche pottery vessels. In their own way, these people were like rock stars of the day, portrayed by their own paparazzi. A wonderful example, remarkably lifelike with naturalistic features and a steadfast gaze.
Provenance: ex-Barakat Gallery, Beverly Hills, California, USA, acquired prior to 2000
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#155883
Condition Report: Nicks and abrasions to base, face, handle, and spout, with heavy encrustations to one side of nose, fading to pigmentation, and one stabilized fissure along front of handle. Great remains of pigment throughout.
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Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Moche III, ca. 200 to 400 CE. An exemplary portrait vessel depicting the head of a proud warrior or person of import with bold yet remarkably lifelike facial features and a large stirrup rising above his head. Among the more impressive examples we have seen, the vessel is skillfully modeled and slip painted in a bichrome color scheme of red and cream hues. The artist clearly strove for naturalism and this portrait captures not only the subject's physiognomy but also his proud aristocratic character. This is a portrait of a specific individual with distinct features: an aquiline nose, a closed but gently smiling mouth, thick-lidded almond-shaped eyes that look steadfastly ahead, a jutting chin, and pronounced ears - all topped by a helmet that suggests he represents a noble warrior or a member of the elite. Size: 5.625" W x 10.5" H (14.3 cm x 26.7 cm)
The Moche were perhaps the only ancient culture in the Americas to produce such vessels. The sculptor's intent was to present a very realistic depiction, and interestingly, scholars have been able to follow the progression of age and rank of several of individuals portrayed in pottery. One particular face for example, easily identified because of his cut lip, appears in more than forty Moche pottery vessels. In their own way, these people were like rock stars of the day, portrayed by their own paparazzi. A wonderful example, remarkably lifelike with naturalistic features and a steadfast gaze.
Provenance: ex-Barakat Gallery, Beverly Hills, California, USA, acquired prior to 2000
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#155883
Condition Report: Nicks and abrasions to base, face, handle, and spout, with heavy encrustations to one side of nose, fading to pigmentation, and one stabilized fissure along front of handle. Great remains of pigment throughout.
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Time, Location
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