Description:

Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Michoacan, Tzin Tzun Tzan, Tarascan people, ca. 1200 to 1500 CE. A remarkable tripod vessel comprised of 3 conjoined bowls, each with a rounded bottom, curved walls, an annular flared rim, and a tapered, zoomorphic leg. Adorned in white, orange, and red slip, the unique dish is elaborately incised and painted with linear, circular, and geometric motifs, as the bowls all connect at their rims, creating a decorative gap at the center. Each leg presents an adorable, canine-like head with a lengthy, striped neck, a pointed snout, target-motif eyes, and round ears. A petite stone or ball of clay is contained within the legs, allowing the vessel to produce a lovely sound when shaken! Size: 11.7" W x 4.6" H (29.7 cm x 11.7 cm)

In addition to creating such distinctive ceramic wares with painted as well as smoke decorated finishes, Tarascan artisans created impressive ornaments and tools out of gold, copper, obsidian, turquoise, and shell. In addition, Tzintzuntzan created an impressive architectural monument comprised of a stone-faced platform with five stepped pyramids known as yakatas on top. Offerings were likely interred with the Tarascan royalty and elite in these yakatas. The Tarascan people were led by a king whose capital was in Tzintzuntzan near Lake Patzcuaro. Successful leaders during wartime, the Tarascan kings were able to combat the Aztecs and maintain independence until the Spanish conquest.

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-private collection of a California, USA attorney, acquired in 2001; ex-Dave DeRoche Gallery, San Francisco, California, USA

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#169731

  • Condition: Repaired from several pieces with restoration over break lines. Restoration to 2 legs. Expected nicks, chips, and abrasions. Otherwise, excellent with great remaining pigments and scattered mineral deposits. Collection labels on underside.

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