Description:

Pre-Columbian, Northern Peru, Moche IV, Ca 500 CE. Talk about capturing a moment, this terracotta spouted vessel depicts the Moche god of the underworld, Ai Apec, standing upon the top of a mountain, about to make a sacrifice. There are two additional mini-gods beside Ai Apec, as well as jaguars clinging to the rocks to each side, with a mountainous peak above the scene. Look at the opposite side of the vessel and you will see that this action all takes place on the underside of a turtle whose head emerges behind the mountainside. This is particularly fitting as Pre-Columbian cultured believed that turtles bridged the sky and the underworld. What's more turtle shells oftentimes accompanied rulers and the elite in their graves to ensure fertility and new life in the Otherworld. 9"H x 6-3/4"W. Provenance: Ex-private San Francisco, CA collection, ex-Splendors of the World, HI. 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: Surface worn and well-root marked surface. Very minor loss to rim of spout, rim of Ai Apec's nose, and edge of bottom. Intact and excellent.

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January 24, 2014 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