Description:

Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Moche, Phase III to IV, ca. 350 to 700 CE. A stunning pottery stirrup vessel elaborately adorned with fineline decoration of an anthropomorphic, hermit crab god with a spondylus shell on his back as zoomorphic features extend from his body. Shown in profile, the fierce figure wrings the neck of a long-beaked bird with his right hand and holds an axe with his left. His human-like head presents a visage similar to Ai Apec with gritted teeth, sharp fangs, a curved nose, and huge, almond-shaped eyes. A bird with spread wings crowns his head as crab claws protrude from his chin and nose and crab legs from the back of his head. His spiraling coiffure terminates in a bird head, while a serpentine yet feline-headed tail extends from his posterior. He is dressed in a tunic with armbands, bangles, a beaded necklace, and annular earspools. Alternatively, the vessel presents a comparatively simplistic form with a globular body sitting upon a planar base and surmounted by a tubular stirrup spout. Size: 6.1" W x 9.4" H (15.5 cm x 23.9 cm)

Provenance: ex-Marc Amiguet Schmitt estate, Amiguet's Ancient Art, Evansville, Indiana, USA, acquired prior to January 1, 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.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#174941

  • Condition: Professional repair and restoration to spout. Chipping to slip and some nicks in areas, all commensurate with age. Otherwise, very nice with great remaining pigments and detail. Old collection label on base.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

October 20, 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