Lot 317
**Originally Listed At $300**
Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Michoacan, Tzin Tzun Tzan, Tarascan people, ca. 1200 to 1500 CE. A wonderfully expressive ceramic vessel in the abstracted form of a bird, this Pre-Columbian creation captures the vibrant artistry of the Tarascan people through both form and surface design. Molded with a rounded, dome-like body supported by two peg-shaped legs, the vessel features a prominent flared spout rising from the top of the bird's back and a pair of outstretched wing-like projections flanking the sides. A petite, tab-shaped tail projects from the rear, while the raised head is crowned with a ridged crest, large slightly bulging circular eyes, and a possibly delineated open mouth that enhances its animated presence. The surface is coated in a rich orange-red slip, its warm tone enlivened by decorative cream-hued dots that form bands along the wings and shoulders and scatter in looser arrangements across the body. Size: 8.2" L x 7.6" W x 4.9" H (20.8 cm x 19.3 cm x 12.4 cm)
These dotted motifs may evoke feathers or ceremonial markings, showcasing the Tarascan emphasis on surface pattern and abstraction. Despite the vessel's playful profile, its symmetry and low center of gravity suggest it was built to rest securely, possibly intended for ritual or domestic use.
Birds held symbolic importance in Mesoamerican thought, often associated with fertility, communication with the divine, or movement between realms. In this example, the potter has abstracted the avian form into a compact, harmonious composition that blends functionality with expressive character - a hallmark of Tarascan ceramic artistry.
In addition to creating such distinctive ceramic wares with painted as well as smoke decorated finishes, Tarascan artisans created impressive ornaments and tools out of gold, copper, obsidian, turquoise, and shell. In addition, Tzintzuntzan created an impressive architectural monument comprised of a stone-faced platform with five stepped pyramids known as yakatas on top. Offerings were likely interred with the Tarascan royalty and elite in these yakatas. The Tarascan people were led by a king whose capital was in Tzintzuntzan near Lake Patzcuaro. Successful leaders during wartime, the Tarascan kings were able to combat the Aztecs and maintain independence until the Spanish conquest.
Provenance: Collection of Y. Kayvan, Los Angeles, California, USA, acquired from a Los Angeles, California, USA gallery acquisition dates range from the late 1990s to 2005
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#194401
- Condition: A few stable hairline surface fissures as shown, as well as light abrasions and expected weathering to surface, commensurate with age. Otherwise, intact and excellent with good remaining pigments and rich encrustations to interior.
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| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 + | $500 |