Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Moche, ca. 450 to 800 CE. A stunning hand-built blackware stirrup vessel that rests on a slightly rounded base with a squat body. The vessel has a raised spiral motif that beautifully eccentuates both sides and the black surface has developed a lustrous shine. The classic stirrup handle arches up from the top, with a tall spout. The swirling spiral motif has ambiguous meaning, but was a popular and may have represented rivers and water, or the spirals of shells that are sacred to many Andean cultures. This stunning vessel attests to the Moche's reverence of natural forms and is a superb example of their pottery. Size: 6.5" W x 8" H (16.5 cm x 20.3 cm)

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-private T. Misenhimer collection, Beverly Hills, California, USA, collected from 1970 to 2008

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#160608

Professionally repaired with handle reattached. Break lines are nearly indiscernable along the bases of handle. Lustrous surface with minor surface wear!