Lot 69
Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Nayarit, Chinesco (Lagunillas), ca. 300 BCE to 300 CE. A sculptural meditation on form, posture, and presence, this seated female figure exemplifies the most refined expressions of the Nayarit Chinesco tradition, now more precisely identified as Lagunillas. With her heart-shaped head gently resting against her right hand, the figure appears caught in a moment of quiet introspection, a pose at once intimate and monumental. Modeled in red-slipped pottery, the figure displays the classic Chinesco vocabulary of exaggerated yet harmonious proportions. Slender, elongated arms contrast dramatically with voluminous, tapering legs that anchor the composition and give the figure a powerful sculptural weight. The torso is spare and upright, with petite breasts left exposed, while a crosshatched loincloth provides the only indication of dress, its incised pattern offering a rhythmic counterpoint to the smooth surfaces of the body. Size: 6" L x 6.6" W x 10.6" H (15.2 cm x 16.8 cm x 26.9 cm)
The head, a defining feature of the Lagunillas style, is carefully rendered with arched eyebrows, almond-shaped eyes, and a puckered mouth, once outlined in black pigment now softened by time. The facial features convey a subtle emotional charge, poised between serenity and inward contemplation. A nose ring and armband further adorn the figure, understated yet deliberate markers of identity, status, or ritual significance.
An openwork construction beneath the arms and around the torso introduces negative space into the composition, enhancing its sculptural complexity and lending a sense of lightness to an otherwise solid form. This interplay between mass and void is a hallmark of the finest Chinesco figures, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of three-dimensional balance.
Figures of this type were typically placed in shaft tombs, serving as companions or symbolic presences for the deceased. Long admired for their abstraction, elegance, and psychological depth, Lagunillas figures are widely regarded as among the most highly treasured artifacts from highland Mexico. This example, with its poised gesture, refined detailing, and commanding form, stands as a compelling testament to the artistic and cultural achievements of ancient West Mexico.
Provenance: private Colorado, USA collection; ex-private Los Angeles, California, USA collection; ex-major gallery, Beverly Hills, California, USA, primarily acquired between 1985 and 2005
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#200376
- Condition: Professionally repaired with restoration and repainting over break lines; all done expertly and only noticeable from the interior. Surface wear as shown with some nicks and abrasions, but, otherwise, excellent presentation with liberal remains of pigment and scattered earthen and manganese deposits.
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