Pre-Columbian, South Coast Peru, Nazca culture, ca. 200 to 400 CE. A wonderful pottery vessel of unique form displaying a rounded base, a spherical body, and a large conical rim opening to a wide mouth. Painted in vibrant hues of black, russet, cream, maroon, olive, and white, the globular body is decorated by two horizontal registers of a repeated target motif. The rows are separated by a slender band of rectangles bearing an undulating design. The enormous rim is skillfully painted with three running warriors, each carrying a spear in one hand and a club in the other and wearing a plumed helmet, a square chest piece, and a broad belt holding sizable strips of cloth bearing a zigzag design. Diagonal lines decorate their spears, dividing each figure and making them appear as giant feathers. Size: 5.125" in diameter x 6.25" H (13 cm x 15.9 cm)

Compare similar examples in "Ancient Peruvian Ceramics: Nathan Cummings Collection" by Alan R. Sawyer (New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1966).

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-Ernest Roth collection, Houston, Texas, USA, acquired before 1964

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#162139

Collection label on base. Repaired from several pieces with restoration over break lines and seven annular drill holes from repair process. Restoration to minor area of rim. Expected nicks/chips to rim, as well as abrasions throughout, commensurate with age. Otherwise, excellent with nice remaining pigments.