Lot 35
Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Moche III, ca. 400 to 500 CE. A beautiful, bichrome pottery flared bowl - called a florero - used in Moche ceremonies, painted via the "fine-line" technique. The interior rim features three fierce serpentine creatures, slithering to make a sinuous procession around the contents of the vessel, and brandishing expressive visages comprised of bulging eyes, laid back ears, and wide open, fang-filled mouths revealing forked tongues. A bold red band underscores their presence, and a matching red band adorns the exterior base. Size: 9.625" in diameter x 5.125" H (24.4 cm x 13 cm)
Serpents were a fascinating element of Pre-Columbian iconography, as snakes were thought to be a beneficial source of nourishment and at the same time were quite deadly possessing poisonous venom. Also important to the indigenous was the fact that snakes shed their skin annually, thus rejuvenating themselves and serving as symbols of renewal and good health.
Provenance: private Andrade collection, New York, New York, USA, acquired 1960's
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#131559
- Condition: One section of the rim repaired from about 5 reattached pieces with slight losses on the underside as shown. Chips to base. Expected surface wear with minor pigment loss commensurate with age, but the figural program is still vivid.
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