Description:

Pre-Columbian, South Coast Peru, Nazca culture, ca. 100 CE to 700 CE. A handsome pair of pottery vessels from the Nazca culture. Each is slip-decorated in the distinctive polychrome palette of the south coast of Peru - red, cream, black, and brown - with intricate geometric and figural motifs. The taller kero cup flares elegantly from a slightly rounded base to a wide mouth, its surface adorned with interlocking cross-hatched bands bordered by stylized red and black patterns. The companion vessel is ovoid, its exterior painted with repeated anthropomorphic trophy heads. The taking of heads in battle and ritual decapitation was practiced to appease the gods and ensure agricultural prosperity. Size of largest: 5.25" W x 4.5" H (13.3 cm x 11.4 cm)

Provenance: private Colorado, USA collection; ex-Wilmer Sick collection, Baltimore, Maryland (taller vessel); ex-Hollywood, Florida, USA collection (shorter)

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.

SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. 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.

#197625

  • Condition: Cup is repaired from three pieces, but is all original material. Visible breaklines on the rim and base. Bowl has a stable pressure fissure radiating from the rim towards the base, otherwise intact and excellent.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Bidder Can Make Shipping Arrangements, Local Pick-Up, In-House Shipping

November 6, 2025 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer’s premium, as outlined below, and any applicable taxes and shipping.
Buyer's Premium
$1 - $249,999:
26.00%
$250,000+:
22.50%

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 + $500