Description:

Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Colima, ca. 200 BCE to 200 CE. This brilliant vermillion vessel is in the form of a wide, voluminous squash with a body that is stylistically segmented with smooth, fine vertical ribbing, features a boldly flaring spout, and is supported by three legs in the form of parrots, birds prized for their feathers among the ancients of America. Each avian form has a plump body that resolves in a curving, tapered tail. The slipped and burnished surface is truly magnificent. Moreover, art imitates life in this ceramic vessel! After all, the indigenous of Mexico used hollowed gourds for storing and serving food and drink. Furthermore, iconographically this piece is quite poignant as squashes and parrots were both symbols of fertility and abundance. 13-1/2"D x 10-1/4"T

Provenance: Ex-Colorado Springs collection

All items in this auction have been legally acquired, are legal to sell, and guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids, papered by our parent company, Artemis Gallery Ancient Art.

The starting price is the lowest price at which the lot can sell.

  • Condition: Slight chip on tip of one leg and rim. The burnished, slipped finish is glorious with only very minor surface wear. Near choice.

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Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

December 6, 2013 9:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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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 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000