Description:

Pre-Columbian, Peru, North Coast, Chimu- Inca culture, ca. 1470 to 1532 CE. A gorgeous blackware canteen vessel with a wide, flaring spout, and five spine-like lugs on the shoulders running from largest to smallest. The artisan impressed the surface with appliques of countless seed sized spines so the entire canteen resembles the sacred Spondylus shell. In addition, a petite applique of a complete spondylus shell form adorns both sides below the spout. Beyond this rich iconographic program, this vessel’s painstakingly burnished blackware is beautiful! Size: 11.5" W x 12.25" H (29.2 cm x 31.1 cm)

The Spondylus shell is native to Ecuador which during this period was part of the Inca Empire. A sacred mythical shell of the Incas, divers gathered the Spondylus from the depths of the Pacific ocean as offerings to Pachamama, goddess of fertility. The Spondylus carries numerous symbolic meanings; a symbol of fertility and elite social status, it was also believed to be an omen of rain, warning the indigenous of El Nino. In fact, the Spondylus shell only appears when the water becomes warmer during December- the time of the El Nino Current – immediately before the rainy season.

Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010

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.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#157787

  • Condition: Nicks to rim and minor surface wear. Mineral deposits on surface. Incredible rich black glaze and detailed shell patterns!

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

June 22, 2022 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 26.5% 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