Description:

Pre-Columbian, North Coast of Peru, Chavin culture, ca. 1200 to 500 BCE. A lovely bichrome terracotta bowl with depictions of wide-eyed owl heads and stylized jaguar heads incised around its exterior. These two nocturnal animals were replete with rich symbolism in the ancient Americas. The jaguar, king of the beasts, was revered for its speed and massive strength, and the spots on its coat related it to the starry night sky. Owls were also associated with the celestial realm and thought to be messengers used by underworld lords. Beautiful red cinnabar pigment emphasizes these incised motifs against the blackware of the vessel. Size: 7.75" W x 2.55" H (19.7 cm x 6.5 cm)

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

#107333

  • Condition: Expertly repaired and restored, with almost all pigment original. A few small chips, nicks, and scratches on surface.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

September 10, 2020 8:00 AM MDT
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