Lot 81C
Pre-Columbian, Peru, Nazca culture, probably Phase 5, ca. 300 to 425 CE. A polychrome deep bowl (kero or quero) with a rounded body, a flaring rim, and rare iconography. The exterior is ringed with a painted row of fantastical anthropomorphic figures with conical-shaped heads, a figure identified as the Harvester, described by Proulx (see below). Each holds bundles of different agricultural products in its hands. The figure wears a loincloth but, aside from its strange head, is otherwise an unadorned human figure. This mythical figure is related to the concept of fertility. The Nazca style of bright colors and bold black outlines is on full display here. An earthy red band marks the base of the kero, which is rounded, designed to be placed into sand. Size: 5.25" W x 5.4" H (13.3 cm x 13.7 cm)
Nazca pottery is known from underground burial chambers. It is thin-walled and well-formed, with often abstract designs in strong contrast to the realism of its contemporary to the north, the Moche. The artwork of this piece corresponds to later Nazca styles, when supernatural figures became the center of the artists' attention and their more fantastical elements - as the strange-shaped head and mythical role of the Harvester - are exaggerated over their human ones.
For more on the Harvester, see "Nazca Ceramic Iconography" by Donald A. Proulx (most recent edition: 2007).
Provenance: ex private Southern California, USA collection; acquired over twenty years ago
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.
#132240
- Condition: Three small chips from rim; otherwise in nice condition with well-preserved motifs as shown and some manganese deposits, especially on interior.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
| 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 |