Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Moche II, ca. 100 BCE to 100 CE. A beautiful Moche terracotta vase, its body of a globular form with a gently splayed neck that opens to a wide rim, finely decorated with in an attractive bichrome white/cream on red finish. The iconographic program is quite elaborate with wall panels featuring three relief-modeled, crabs separated by vertical columns of painted open circular motifs most likely symbolizing eggs, and a sinuous wave pattern trimming the outer rim. The Moche were very skilled ceramicists who, though probably illiterate, created visual culture that interpreted their world for us to "read" as is evident by this example. A gorgeous piece in great condition with fabulous burnishing marks and manganese deposits. Size: 7" W x 9.5" H (17.8 cm x 24.1 cm)

Provenance: Deaccessioned from Ashland University, Ashland, OH, donated to the University between 7/14/1994 and 12/31/1998.

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#165465

Intact and excellent, wear to pigment as shown.