Lot 138
Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Moche culture, ca. 400 to 700 CE. A lively Moche terracotta stirrup-spout vessel modeled in the form of a monkey, a creature revered in Andean iconography for its playful, mischievous spirit and connection to fertility. The vessel depicts the animal in a quadrupedal stance, with short legs, a coiled tail curling upward, and a rounded head turned to one side with an expressive face. Its wide, circular eyes, flared ears, and incised mouth evoke a sense of animation and curiosity. The stirrup handle arches from the back of the head to a tall, tapering spout rising from the creature's back, forming the classic Moche configuration designed to minimize evaporation of liquid contents. Size: 7.8" L x 3.1" W x 7.8" H (19.8 cm x 7.9 cm x 19.8 cm)
Monkeys were a frequent motif in Moche art, often appearing in painted ceramics, fineline drawings, and sculptural vessels. Their depiction was likely symbolic, reflecting both the natural fauna of the region and metaphoric ideas of vitality, abundance, and eroticism. The vessel embodies the Moche mastery of figural pottery, where whimsical naturalism was fused with ritual functionality, creating objects that were as much ceremonial as they were practical.
Provenance: private Colorado, USA collection; previously bequeathed to the Museum for Islamic Art, Jerusalem, Israel, stored for many years and exhibited in 1988; ex-Yosef A. Maiman collection, Consul of Peru A.H., acquired in 1993; ex-Kate Kemper collection, Switzerland, acquired in the 1940s or earlier
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#197060
- Condition: Repaired with break line and adhesive visible. Chipping to spout and handle, as well as scattered surface wear. Otherwise, very nice presentation with good remaining detail and light earthen deposits.
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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 |
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| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |