Lot 117
Pre-Columbian, Central America, Costa Rica, Nicoya region, ca. 800 to 1200 CE. A finely modeled Nicoya pottery figure depicting a seated nude female with legs drawn upward and arms resting at the sides of the torso. The figure displays exposed breasts and clearly delineated genitalia, emphasizing themes of fertility and the human body that appear frequently in Nicoya ceramic sculpture. The head is broad with large circular eyes, an open mouth, and pierced ears, while painted linear motifs accent the face and torso. The vessel is hollow and open at the top of the head, suggesting it functioned as a small container or ritual vessel. The warm red-orange slip is enhanced with dark painted details that highlight facial features, body markings, and decorative bands across the forehead. Figural ceramics such as this were widely produced in the Nicoya region of ancient Costa Rica and were often associated with ritual activity, ancestor veneration, or symbolic representations of fertility and life cycles within pre-Columbian societies. Size: 3.7" W x 5" H (9.4 cm x 12.7 cm)
Provenance: Collection of Y. Kayvan, Los Angeles, California, USA, acquired from a Los Angeles, California, USA gallery acquisition dates range from the late 1990s to 2005
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.
Please note that buyers are responsible for understanding and complying with the import regulations of their destination country. While we carefully prepare and document all shipments, we cannot be held responsible for customs delays, clearance issues, additional duties or taxes, or any seizure of property. 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.
#201508
- Condition: Professionally repaired with restoration and repainting over break lines, though some are still slightly visible in areas. Light surface wear, but, otherwise, nice presentation with good pigments.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 30% 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 |