Description:

Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Inca, ca. 1200 to 1400 CE. One of the most delightful vessels we have handled from this region! A charming polychrome stirrup vessel in the form of a toothy fish upon a concave base. The fish is painted white with russet red striations across its body and a russet red base below. Its character really comes through with bulging eyes and an open mouth revealing incised teeth. The stirrup and flaring spout are nicely rendered and painted with an orange slip. Size: 9" W x 7.75" H (22.9 cm x 19.7 cm)

Inca peoples who lived near the coast enjoyed fish in their diets. Using reed boats known as caballitos de tortora (little reed horses) so named for the straddled manner in which they are ridden, fisherman caught sea bass, tuna, salmon, sardines, anchovies, shellfish, as well as sea catfish (Galeichthys peruvianus).

Provenance: private Lewis collection, Florida, USA, acquired at Arte Primitivo

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#150429

  • Condition: Repair to the rim. Normal surface wear commensurate with age. Nice manganese deposits grace the surface. Chips to the base, but the piece still stands on its own well. There is a tiny TL hole at upper end of base. Collection label on underside of base.

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December 5, 2019 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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