Very Fine Recuay Pottery Jar - Happy Figure & Jaguars

Pre-Columbian, northern highlands of Peru, Recuay culture, ca. 200 to 600 CE. An impressive polychrome single spouted figural vessel depicting a winking, smiling figure wearing a hooded headdress and elaborately decorated ear ornaments as he/she holds a coca bag - or perhaps a musical instrument - that is also decorated with cross and dotted motifs mirroring those on her/his earrings. Flanking the happy visage are twin jaguars who are also smiling with perky ears, wagging tails, and spotted coats reminiscent of the starry sky. The figural imagery is delineated in low and high relief and skillfully painted in shades of russet red, tawny beige, cream, and black. A fabulous and endearingly playful example of Recuay artistry! Size: 8.5" L x 7.25" W x 7.375" H (21.6 cm x 18.4 cm x 18.7 cm)

The Recuay peoples are known for their distinctive pottery, which as we see in this example, traditionally features a polychrome finish in three hues as well as a modeling technique in which human figures, jaguars, llamas, and other animals are affixed to the vessel. In this case, the pair of jaguars, sporting friendly smiles most likely represent playful pets rather than threatening wild felines.

Provenance: private S.H. collection, Santa Clara, California, USA, purchased from Artemis Gallery, Colorado, USA, prior to 2010; ex-Fort Knox, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA

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#126270
Condition Report: Small repair to spout with loss to break lines. Minute nicks to high-pointed areas that are difficult to discern. Otherwise minor surface wear with scuffs and areas of slight pigment loss. Overall, a delighful example.