Lot 103
Pre-Columbian, Valley of Mexico, Las Colinas region, Teotihuacan culture, ca. 3rd to 7th century CE. A hand-built pottery bowl of attractive and finely decorated form bearing elaborate incised details across the exterior walls. The walls depict 3 standing human figures facing to the left, the center of which is grasping a lock of hair from atop the head of the mythical feathered serpent while wearing an avian style headdress himself. The feathered serpent bears an aquiline beak and a large eye above a row of bared teeth, and the bottom of the vessel depicts a similar head set within a circular border, perhaps representing a mirror. Known as mirror bowls, these bowls would be filled with water to see ripples and reflections - meant to show visions of the future - or would have an actual stone mirror placed within the bowl with water covering its surface. The feathered serpent was believed to be a primeval god of knowledge, so perhaps this bowl was utilized to request even but a glimpse of its boundless wisdom. Size: 7.1" W x 4.6" H (18 cm x 11.7 cm)
Provenance: private Hidden Valley Lake, California, USA collection, purchased February 21, 2021; ex-Leonard Auction, Inc., Addison, Illinois, USA
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#170644
- Condition: Repaired with areas of restoration and loss as shown. Nicks and abrasions to surfaces and feet, with softening to some finer details, and light encrustations. Great preservation to most incised motifs on exterior surfaces.
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