Description:

Pre-Columbian, Northern Peru, Vicus culture, ca. 250 BCE to 600 CE. A wonderful bridge-spouted vessel in the form of a swimming man resting upon his rounded belly with legs outstretched and slender arms folded on a log or other cylindrical object. His smiling visage faces forward displaying ovoid eyes, a long, pointed nose, and a thin mouth all flanked by a pair of sizable ears and crowned by a helmet-like headdress. The bridge-form handle extends from the back of his head, connecting to a chimney-shaped spout, while a petite hole at the top of his head suggests he once functioned as a whistling vessel. Size: 9.6" L x 4.8" W x 6.2" H (24.4 cm x 12.2 cm x 15.7 cm)

For a similar vessel see object number 83.231 at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.

Provenance: private Ferndale, Michigan, USA collection; ex-private Detroit, Michigan, USA collection, acquired prior to 2004

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#182560

  • Condition: No longer functions as a whistle. Professionally repaired with some chipping and adhesive along visible break lines and minor areas of restoration. Small loss to toes of proper left foot and light surface wear as shown. Rounded base creates slight wobble. Otherwise, nice overall presentation with traces of original pigments.

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February 9, 2024 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$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
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