Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Moche, Phase I, ca. 100 to 300 CE. A beautifully painted figural stirrup vessel depicting a frog with wide elliptical eyes seated in a crouched position. This bichrome vessel features a cream-hued ground accented by a minimalist russet red motif painted atop. Its visage has a curiosity about its gaze, with head upturned and incised mouth closed. The frog's protruding vocal sac is delineated by red pigment over the top. Its body is decorated with a loose array of short, gently curved lines. Its legs and feet are held tightly at its sides. A stubby stirrup-shaped handle rises from the frog's back and has a petite opening at its end. Size: 6" L x 5" W x 6.7" H (15.2 cm x 12.7 cm x 17 cm)

The frog ('rana' in Spanish) was a highly symbolic animal of the Pre-Columbian world, signifying water and rain and all the sustenance that it provides, and by extension fertility - a true vessel of life.

Provenance: ex-Ashland University Museum, Ashland, Ohio, USA

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#165453

Hairline fissure along back of the one the front legs and along a portion of the spout's rim. Fading to painted decoration commensurate with age. Otherwise in great condition, and intact. A well-constructed ware!