Description:

Pre-Columbian, Central Coast Peru, Chancay, ca. 800 to 1200 CE. A delightful, wonderfully preserved ceramic sculpture of a llama, the most important animal in the ancient Andes, where they served as food, companions, and beasts of burden. The animal's body is large and rounded, with visible male genitalia on its back side and a perky raised tail. Four short, stubby legs emerge from the lower body and give the sculpture a surprisingly sturdy balance. The head is low down, as if the animal is leaning over to graze, with painted and sculpted eyes, snout, and ears. Large saddle bags are painted onto the back and a collar is painted around the neck. This sculpture's wonderful proportions remind me of early modern European paintings of prized pigs and cows designed to show off their well-nourished forms - whoever made this envisioned a happy llama! Size: 10.5" W x 6.75" H (26.7 cm x 17.1 cm)

Provenance: ex-private Hans Juergen Westermann collection, Germany, collected from 1950s to 1960s

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.

#153462

  • Condition: Intact, with a clear mark around the center where you can observe how the artist who made it put it together from two halves. A regular opening in the upper back was made to prevent the piece from shattering when it was fired. The pigment is in nice condition with light wear and deposits commensurate with age.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

February 27, 2020 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 24.5% 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