Pre-Columbian, Peru, Chancay, ca. 1000 to 1300 CE. A lovely pottery vessel decorated with geometric patterns painted on the exterior. The form consists of a egg-shaped body with a narrow neck and a slightly flared cup-shaped lip. Miniature strap handles flank the midsection. The bold patterning across the body consists of various sizes of circles outlined in black on beige ground. The largest circles have concentric interior rings with a central motif of a zoomorph or an eye. A linear pattern in black encircles the rim. This vessel was used for storing chicha de jora, a fermented corn beer, and the petite mouth would have helped to prevent evaporation. This is a beautiful example, replete with a mysterious decorative program and special meaning- the egg shape of the vessel itself is a symbol of renewal! Size: 11.4" W x 18" H (29 cm x 45.7 cm); 18.25" H (46.4 cm) on included custom stand. Size: 12" W x 18" H (30.5 cm x 45.7 cm); 18.25" H (46.4 cm) on included custom stand.

The Pre-Columbian Chancay culture produced a rich textile and ceramic artistry. The patterns upon their vessels often reflect the woven patterns that their fabrics often displayed. The Chancay developed several ceramic styles that are distinctive in their shape and decoration. Their pottery is painted mainly with pigments from dark brown to black color on a white surface, forming bold patterns. While Chancay did not have a potter's wheel, they did have a revolving plate that served a similar function to rotate the clay while the potter applied the coiled walls to create these ovoid vessels.

Provenance: ex-Zena Kruzik Tribal Art, Richmond, California, USA; ex-private Cedar Rapids, Iowa, USA collection; ex-David Stuart Gallery, Los Angeles, California, USA, acquired in the 1980s

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#164085

Chip and loss to rim as shown. Restoration to area of rim with overpainting to motif and a chip on rim in that area. Fading and chipping of painted motifs on body. Surface abrasions and pitting. Stable crack visible on interior