Lot 13
Native American, Southwestern United States, Mogollon, Mimbres, ca. 1200 to 1450 CE. A beautifully spare Mimbres bowl, its interior painted with crisp black geometry and pierced at the center with a kill hole, a small opening that turns a household vessel into something quietly ceremonial. The bowl is formed with a smooth, hemispherical body and a gently rounded rim. Inside, the pale slip ground is animated by bold bands of pattern arranged in a balanced, radiating design. Alternating zones of fine parallel lines and jagged zigzags create a rhythmic, textile-like effect, as if the potter translated woven designs into painted clay. The composition is controlled and confident, relying on contrast, repetition, and negative space rather than pictorial imagery. Size: 9.5" L x 9" W x 5" H (24.1 cm x 22.9 cm x 12.7 cm)
At the center is a kill hole, a deliberate perforation traditionally understood as a way of "releasing" the vessel's spirit. Such bowls are often associated with mortuary contexts in the Mimbres world, where pottery could serve not only as a functional object but as a companion in burial, marking the boundary between daily life and the ritual life of the dead.
The exterior is plain and softly burnished, with natural firing clouds and warm earthen tones that speak to the bowl's long history. Elegant in its restraint and powerful in its symbolism, this is a classic expression of Mimbres artistry, where a few black lines, perfectly placed, can carry an entire worldview.
Provenance: private Denver, Colorado, USA collection, acquired prior to 2002
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.
#201040
- Condition: Kill hole at center. Professionally repaired with restoration and repainting over break lines. Chip to rim and some light surface wear throughout. Otherwise, very nice presentation with good remaining decoration. Old collection labels on underside of base.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 30% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
| 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 |