Description:

Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Colima, ca. 100 BCE to 250 CE. A charming pottery pup uniquely posed in a lifelike manner, as though scratching himself. The adorable canine lifts his hind leg to his ear, shifting the weight of his rotund body to his right side and opening his toothy muzzle as though to say, "Ooh that's the spot!" Dogs played an important role in ancient Mexico, serving as watchdogs, pack animals, ritualistic sacrifices, warm compresses for bodily aches and pains, and, in some cases, a food source. One story tells of the first man who survived the great flood thanks to his friend-dog who did everything for him, including finding corn to eat and making fire! It was additionally believed that a red or yellow dog would serve as a companion to the deceased, helping them to cross the river to the underworld. Thus, it was crucial to not only be kind to these red dogs in life but to seek them out in the afterlife as well. Cute canines, like this one, were placed in tombs to accompany and protect the soul to the afterlife. Size: 10.2" L x 6.2" W x 8.9" H (25.9 cm x 15.7 cm x 22.6 cm)

A similar Colima dog was sold for $27,500 as lot 48 during Sotheby's New York May 15th, 2015 auction (sale number N09347).

Provenance: ex-Barakat Gallery, Beverly Hills, California, USA, acquired prior to 2000

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#175231

  • Condition: Professionally repaired and restored with only one visible break line on left ear. A few minor nicks to surface but otherwise in excellent condition with nice pigments and rich encrustation to interior.

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November 10, 2022 8:00 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 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000