Moche Portrait Stirrup Vessel of Ai-Apec, ex-Sotheby's
Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Moche, ca. 300 to 400 CE. A striking example of one of the classic forms of pre-Columbian pottery - the Moche stirrup vessel. It is mold-made and bi-chrome, with cream-on-red depicting Ai Apec, the chief deity of the Moche people. The god is presented with his characteristically wild feline fangs, a grimace seen in the bulge between the eyes, heavy brows, and large half-circle eyeballs. He has an expressive countenance delineated in low to high relief, demonstrating the skill of the artist who made the piece. Ai Apec, the chief deity of the Moche (Mochica) culture, was seen as a guardian of all food sources. Size: 6.45" W x 9.4" H (16.4 cm x 23.9 cm)
The class of artisans and potters in Moche urban centers created this vessel for a member of the elite. It was placed in that person's tomb as a grave offering to demonstrate wealth as he or she began his or her journey into the afterlife.
Provenance: private New York, USA collection, begun in 1966; ex-Sotheby's, New York, USA, November 1993, Lot 168
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.
#151390
Condition Report: The spout has been expertly restored. Also a small chip on the foot has been repaired. Otherwise in great condition with nice deposits and root marks.
View it on
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Moche, ca. 300 to 400 CE. A striking example of one of the classic forms of pre-Columbian pottery - the Moche stirrup vessel. It is mold-made and bi-chrome, with cream-on-red depicting Ai Apec, the chief deity of the Moche people. The god is presented with his characteristically wild feline fangs, a grimace seen in the bulge between the eyes, heavy brows, and large half-circle eyeballs. He has an expressive countenance delineated in low to high relief, demonstrating the skill of the artist who made the piece. Ai Apec, the chief deity of the Moche (Mochica) culture, was seen as a guardian of all food sources. Size: 6.45" W x 9.4" H (16.4 cm x 23.9 cm)
The class of artisans and potters in Moche urban centers created this vessel for a member of the elite. It was placed in that person's tomb as a grave offering to demonstrate wealth as he or she began his or her journey into the afterlife.
Provenance: private New York, USA collection, begun in 1966; ex-Sotheby's, New York, USA, November 1993, Lot 168
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.
#151390
Condition Report: The spout has been expertly restored. Also a small chip on the foot has been repaired. Otherwise in great condition with nice deposits and root marks.
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
