Description:

Pre-Columbian, Mexico, Oaxaca, Zapotec culture, Monte Alban, Phase III, ca. 500 to 700 CE. A rare example of erotic art from the ancient Zapotec: a grayware vessel in the form of a nude, copulating couple. Lying on his back, the male exhibits a lengthy, erect phallus that extends upwards forming the vessel's spout as the female crouches over him displaying limbs resembling a feline. Scholars posit that erotic vessels like this were thought to have powers of fertility and procreation. This vessel, however, also had a humoristic value since the liquid would be poured from the man's phallus as though it were being created by the organ. Size: 6.8" L x 3.5" W x 3.9" H (17.3 cm x 8.9 cm x 9.9 cm)

Provenance: ex-Marc Amiguet Schmitt estate, Amiguet's Ancient Art, Evansville, Indiana, USA; ex-Arte Primitivo, New York, New York, USA, September 27th, 2016, lot 219; ex-Collection of Albert J. and Monique Grant, New York City, New York, USA, acquired 1950s to 60s, collection #1140

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#174880

  • Condition: Very minor rim flake and a few small nicks, commensurate with age. Otherwise, intact and excellent with nice remaining detail and light earthen deposits.

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October 27, 2022 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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