Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Moche, ca. 400 to 500 CE. A handsome portrait vessel depicting a noble looking male figure with elaborate headwear and a pair of iconic circular ear spools. His visage is a masterpiece featuring a veristic nose, delineated almond-shaped eyes, and pursed lips accented by a slight mustache which drapes over each corner of his mouth. An excellent textile inspired geometric pattern adorns much of his headpiece, visible on both obverse and verso sides of the vessel. The Moche were perhaps the only ancient culture in the Americas to produce portrait vessels. The artist's intent was to present a very realistic depiction, and interestingly, scholars have been able to follow the progression of age and rank of several of individuals portrayed in pottery. Size: 7" L x 3" W x 5.5" H (17.8 cm x 7.6 cm x 14 cm)

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-private lifetime collection of Dr. Saul Tuttman and Dr. Gregory Siskind, New York, New York, USA, acquired in the 1980s

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#163860

Softening of finer details. Dark deposits accumulated on portions of lower face. Otherwise, excellent condition - faint remains of original pigments still visible. Fully intact.