Lot 317
Pre-Columbian, Costa Rica, Guanacaste-Nicoya, ca. 13th -16th century CE. This magnificent vessel was produced in the Greater Nicoya region of Costa Rica where a proliferation of ceramic styles was inspired by the artistry of the Maya territories and central Mexico during the years prior to the Spanish conquest. A rather large example, it manifests the Vallejo style with its white-slipped surfaces and polychrome designs. The form alone, comprised of an orb-like olla atop a corsetted pedestal, is quite striking. The design program includes a geometric, brightly hued painting style - known as Mixteca-Puebla which was prevalent in central Mexico during this period - in the upper register of the olla as well as the pedestal. The composition of the olla is divided into three panels that most likely contained imagery of deities worshipped by the Pre-Columbian world in turn framed by an upper and lower register. While the iconography featured in the panels is no longer vivid, a band containing a beautiful wave motif on the lower register of the olla hints at the symbolism intended by the indigenous artist. Perhaps this is a reference to the watery realm of the underworld which was simultaneously viewed as both an aquatic environment and the starry night sky. This duality may be surprising to us; however, it was typical of Pre-Columbian interpretations of the cosmos. Additional unexpected dualism is embodied in the Pre-Columbian understanding that the underworld was not only a place of life's end but also a locus for the renewal of life. Beyond this possible spiritual iconography, the waves may simply reference the rich natural environment of Costa Rica where aquatic flora and fauna resided. The ancients have provided us with painted indications of feathers and flower-like forms in the upper register, perhaps signs of waterlilies and waterbirds of the Central American ecosystem. Measuring a most impressive 13 1/4"T x 11"D at widest, 8-1/2"D at base;
Provenance: EX-Private Puerto Rico USA collection.
All items in this auction are legal to buy/sell under U.S. statute covering cultural patrimony per United States Code 2600, CHAPTER 14 -- CONVENTION ON CULTURAL PROPERTY, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
- Condition: Vessel repaired affecting only one side; however, signs of repair are primarily visible only in the interior. There is some surface wear, otherwise, it is intact and is in good to excellent condition.
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| From: | To: | Increments: |
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| $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 | $2,000 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $25,000 |