Description:

Pre-Columbian, Southern Mexico to Guatemala, Olmec, ca. 900 to 500 BCE. A hand-built grayware pottery vessel in the shape of a full-faced duck. Incised striations on either side of the body represent the feathers on each wing while puffy eyes, impressed pupils, an attenuated beak, and gently protruding ears form the avian visage. The apple-shaped body rests upon a pair of petite feet and a thick tail for support. Birds in general were views as sacred messengers due to their ability to fly, but ducks were special because they could both dive deep under water and fly long distances through the air. Ducks were viewed as sacred animals of the watery realm and the sky world, and later cultures would associate ducks with wind deities such as Ehecatl, often portrayed with a duckbill face. Size: 5" W x 5.625" H (12.7 cm x 14.3 cm)

Provenance: ex-Marc Amiguet Schmitt estate, Amiguet's Ancient Art, Evansville, Indiana, USA, acquired prior to January 1, 2010

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.

#174858

  • Condition: Repair and possible restoration to areas of head and body, with resurfacing and overpainting along new material and break lines. Abrasions and areas of fire-darkening, with light earthen deposits. Nice preservation to avian facial details.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

October 20, 2022 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 26.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

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 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000