Tater Camilo Vera Vizcarra (Peruvian, b. 1964) Guardians of the Valle de Perao Master High-Fired Glazed Ceramic Vessel
This monumental Guardians of the Valle de Perao is a completely original hand-crafted ceramic vessel by celebrated Peruvian master artist Tater Camilo Vera Vizcarra. Rising more than twenty-three inches in height, the work possesses an imposing architectural silhouette formed by a generous amphora-shaped body, multiple sculptural handles, a tiered neck, and a broad flaring rim.
The principal narrative scene portrays two elegantly dressed figures standing amid luxuriant vegetation. One carries a long ceremonial firearm beside a flowing red-and-white banner, while the second appears with a horn or trumpet-like instrument. Their distinctive garments, hats, boots, and formal poses evoke the visual world of colonial and republican Peru, transformed through the artist's imaginative contemporary language.
The inscription Valle de Perao appears beneath the scene and contributes to the mysterious narrative character of the vessel. Rather than functioning as simple ornament, the figures suggest guardians, musicians, or ceremonial participants belonging to an imagined Andean valley where history, folklore, and popular memory converge.
The central composition is surrounded by abundant hand-painted leaves, flowers, butterflies, and decorative branches. Above, an emerald-green bird occupies a smaller framed register, while successive bands of rhythmic vegetal motifs unify the neck, shoulder, and base. The numerous handles are themselves painted with foliate decoration, creating a continuous dialogue between sculpture, painting, and architecture.
The palette of deep green, red, yellow, blue, cream, and dark brown is intensified by a luminous glazed surface. Subtle variations created during high-temperature firing enhance the handmade character of the vessel, while the controlled linework, balanced composition, and smooth finish demonstrate the exceptional technical command for which Tater Vera is recognized.
Vera's work revisits the glazed ceramic traditions of colonial and southern Andean Peru without merely reproducing historical models. In this piece, he combines inherited vessel forms and decorative techniques with an entirely original narrative, producing a monumental contemporary work grounded in Peru's cultural memory.
With its exceptional scale, vibrant storytelling, elaborate painted decoration, and commanding presence, this original vessel is suitable as an important centerpiece for a distinguished private collection, gallery, cultural institution, luxury hotel, or sophisticated interior.
Works by the artist have previously been presented through auctions organized by the Museo de Arte de Lima (MALI).
ARTIST
Tater Camilo Vera Vizcarra (Cusco, Peru, b. 1964) is one of Peru's most distinguished contemporary master ceramists. Trained in economics at the Universidad Andina del Cusco and in art at the Escuela Superior de Bellas Artes Diego Quispe Tito, he developed a highly recognizable body of work inspired by the glazed ceramic traditions of colonial Cusco, Pucara, and the southern Andes.
His practice is particularly admired for its high-temperature firing, richly glazed surfaces, metallic pigments, complex sculptural forms, and imaginative reinterpretation of historical and popular imagery. In 2018, Peru's Ministry of Culture recognized him as a Personalidad Meritoria de la Cultura for his outstanding contribution to the country's artistic heritage.
PROVENANCE
Acquired directly from the artist in Peru for Gallery Arts & Auctions Co.
AUTHENTICITY
This vessel is a completely original and individually created work by Tater Camilo Vera Vizcarra and was acquired directly from the artist.
A Certificate of Authenticity issued directly by the artist may be provided upon request, when available.
MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUE
Hand-formed, hand-painted, and high-fired glazed ceramic with sculptural handles, polychrome decoration, mineral and metallic pigments, and a luminous protective glaze.
DIMENSIONS
Height: 23 1/4 in.
Maximum Diameter: 15 in.
COLLECTION NOTE
Carefully selected directly from the artist in Peru by Gallery Arts & Auctions Co. as part of its ongoing effort to present exceptional examples of master Peruvian folk and contemporary ceramic art. Distinguished by its monumental scale, elaborate multi-handled construction, historical narrative, and exceptionally rich painted surface, this completely original vessel is among the most important display pieces in the collection.
Condition
Excellent overall condition. No visible structural damage, repairs, or restorations. The sculptural handles, painted decoration, and original glazed surfaces remain beautifully preserved, with minor variations inherent to individually hand-crafted and kiln-fired ceramic production.
This monumental Guardians of the Valle de Perao is a completely original hand-crafted ceramic vessel by celebrated Peruvian master artist Tater Camilo Vera Vizcarra. Rising more than twenty-three inches in height, the work possesses an imposing architectural silhouette formed by a generous amphora-shaped body, multiple sculptural handles, a tiered neck, and a broad flaring rim.
The principal narrative scene portrays two elegantly dressed figures standing amid luxuriant vegetation. One carries a long ceremonial firearm beside a flowing red-and-white banner, while the second appears with a horn or trumpet-like instrument. Their distinctive garments, hats, boots, and formal poses evoke the visual world of colonial and republican Peru, transformed through the artist's imaginative contemporary language.
The inscription Valle de Perao appears beneath the scene and contributes to the mysterious narrative character of the vessel. Rather than functioning as simple ornament, the figures suggest guardians, musicians, or ceremonial participants belonging to an imagined Andean valley where history, folklore, and popular memory converge.
The central composition is surrounded by abundant hand-painted leaves, flowers, butterflies, and decorative branches. Above, an emerald-green bird occupies a smaller framed register, while successive bands of rhythmic vegetal motifs unify the neck, shoulder, and base. The numerous handles are themselves painted with foliate decoration, creating a continuous dialogue between sculpture, painting, and architecture.
The palette of deep green, red, yellow, blue, cream, and dark brown is intensified by a luminous glazed surface. Subtle variations created during high-temperature firing enhance the handmade character of the vessel, while the controlled linework, balanced composition, and smooth finish demonstrate the exceptional technical command for which Tater Vera is recognized.
Vera's work revisits the glazed ceramic traditions of colonial and southern Andean Peru without merely reproducing historical models. In this piece, he combines inherited vessel forms and decorative techniques with an entirely original narrative, producing a monumental contemporary work grounded in Peru's cultural memory.
With its exceptional scale, vibrant storytelling, elaborate painted decoration, and commanding presence, this original vessel is suitable as an important centerpiece for a distinguished private collection, gallery, cultural institution, luxury hotel, or sophisticated interior.
Works by the artist have previously been presented through auctions organized by the Museo de Arte de Lima (MALI).
ARTIST
Tater Camilo Vera Vizcarra (Cusco, Peru, b. 1964) is one of Peru's most distinguished contemporary master ceramists. Trained in economics at the Universidad Andina del Cusco and in art at the Escuela Superior de Bellas Artes Diego Quispe Tito, he developed a highly recognizable body of work inspired by the glazed ceramic traditions of colonial Cusco, Pucara, and the southern Andes.
His practice is particularly admired for its high-temperature firing, richly glazed surfaces, metallic pigments, complex sculptural forms, and imaginative reinterpretation of historical and popular imagery. In 2018, Peru's Ministry of Culture recognized him as a Personalidad Meritoria de la Cultura for his outstanding contribution to the country's artistic heritage.
PROVENANCE
Acquired directly from the artist in Peru for Gallery Arts & Auctions Co.
AUTHENTICITY
This vessel is a completely original and individually created work by Tater Camilo Vera Vizcarra and was acquired directly from the artist.
A Certificate of Authenticity issued directly by the artist may be provided upon request, when available.
MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUE
Hand-formed, hand-painted, and high-fired glazed ceramic with sculptural handles, polychrome decoration, mineral and metallic pigments, and a luminous protective glaze.
DIMENSIONS
Height: 23 1/4 in.
Maximum Diameter: 15 in.
COLLECTION NOTE
Carefully selected directly from the artist in Peru by Gallery Arts & Auctions Co. as part of its ongoing effort to present exceptional examples of master Peruvian folk and contemporary ceramic art. Distinguished by its monumental scale, elaborate multi-handled construction, historical narrative, and exceptionally rich painted surface, this completely original vessel is among the most important display pieces in the collection.
Condition
Excellent overall condition. No visible structural damage, repairs, or restorations. The sculptural handles, painted decoration, and original glazed surfaces remain beautifully preserved, with minor variations inherent to individually hand-crafted and kiln-fired ceramic production.
