Lot 129A
Chavin / Paracas Janiform Stirrup Vessel w/ TL, Ex Arte
Chavin / Paracas Janiform Stirrup Vessel w/ TL, Ex Arte
- Register to Bid
- To increase your bid limit, Get Verified .
Pre-Columbian, Peru, Chavin-Paracas Transitional, ca. 800 to 200 BCE. A strikingly rare blackware janiform stirrup-spout vessel that bridges two of the most important traditions of the ancient Andes. The vessel features a rounded body incised with two near-identical human faces in shallow relief, framed within painted geometric borders in red and cream. Each visage is modeled with large, almond-shaped eyes and pursed lips, the faces presented in the classic back-to-back, or janiform, arrangement. The stirrup spout itself reflects strong Chavin influence: the tube is thick and weighty, its form terminating in a cylindrical chimney spout, a diagnostic feature of early Chavin ceramics. This robust spout design not only reinforces the vessel structurally but also allowed for efficient pouring while minimizing evaporation - an innovation consistent with Chavin ritual practices. Size: 5.5" L x 5.3" W x 6.7" H (14 cm x 13.5 cm x 17 cm)
In contrast, the vessel's decorative scheme aligns more closely with the Paracas tradition. The use of linear incision combined with carefully applied pigment is characteristic of Paracas ceramics, where painted design and surface embellishment became central to expression. The fusion of these elements in this piece suggests it emerged in a period of cultural overlap or exchange, when Chavin's religious and artistic dominance gave way to the more localized Paracas style of the South Coast.
Such janiform imagery likely carried symbolic weight, representing duality, balance, and the mirrored forces of life and death - concepts central to Andean cosmology. As a transitional piece, it encapsulates both continuity and innovation, standing as a testament to the dynamic artistic exchanges of the Early Horizon period.
This piece has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) analysis and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated. A full printed and bound report will accompany the item upon purchase.
Provenance: private Colorado, USA collection; ex-Arte Primitivo, New York, New York, USA, February 25, 2025, lot 277; ex-Jack Bregman collection, New York City, New York, USA, acquired prior to 1969 while in the Peace Corps, thence by descent, collection #130
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 and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)
PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.
#197637
- Condition: Some surface wear and minor chipping to spout as well as some scattered abrasions, but, otherwise, intact and excellent with liberal remains of pigment. TL holes to underside of base and side of stirrup spout.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |