Description:

Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Sican (Lambayeque) culture, ca. 800 to 1350 CE. A finely modeled stirrup-spout vessel of warm terracotta hues, its rounded body rising to a tall cylindrical spout set above a broad arched handle. Just beneath the spout rests a sculpted janiform head, depicting two back-to-back noble faces, each shown with dignified features, almond-shaped eyes, and a long vertical headdress. The faces are framed by stylized ear ornaments, emphasizing elite identity and rank. Janiform imagery in Lambayeque ceramics likely symbolized duality, balance, or the continuity of power, central concepts in Andean cosmology and rulership. Stirrup-spout vessels such as this were highly valued in funerary contexts, their dual function as ritual container and symbolic effigy reinforcing the prestige of the deceased. The refined modeling and restrained bichrome surface finish align with the elegant yet powerful aesthetic of Lambayeque ceramic traditions. Size: 4.4" L x 4.7" W x 7.4" H (11.2 cm x 11.9 cm x 18.8 cm)

Provenance: private Colorado collection, USA; 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

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.

#197061

  • Condition: Find hold to one side. Restoration and chipping to spout. Some light surface wear, but, otherwise, very nice presentation with good remaining detail and scattered mineral deposits.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

September 18, 2025 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 25% 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