Pre-Columbian, South Coast Peru, Nazca, ca. 2nd to 4th century CE. A vivacious hand-built polychrome bowl with an incredible painted motif depicting two anthropomorphic figures entangled in an elaborate spider-web. The spider-web is an intriguing arrangement of linear and curvilinear lines completed in black-slip, with a consistent width and in contiguous form across its exterior register. The two figures are human-like in overall appearance but have animalistic characteristics such as hooves for hands and feet – and appear to be in a lateral struggle with a dark abstract figuration, perhaps a spider. The bowls basin is deep, with thin walls that slightly flare out towards the top of the vessel. The surface is highly burnished and presents brilliantly in the light. A well-crafted and finely detailed example! Size: 5.8" Diameter x 4.25" H (14.7 cm x 10.8 cm)

This piece has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) analysis and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated. A full report will accompany purchase.

Provenance: ex-Stein collection, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, USA, acquired September 8, 2009; ex-Arte Xibalba, Osprey, Florida, USA; ex-Joseph Espinoza collection, Toronto, Canada, imported from Brazil between 1980 - 1982

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#164263

Light chipping to painted motif scattered throughout. Otherwise in excellent condition and fully intact. TL drill holes beneath base and along top rim.